The Sugar Technologists’ Association of India (STAI) is all set to host its 83rd Annual Convention and International Sugar Expo 2025 from 24th to 26th July at the grand Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, New Delhi.
This year is especially significant as STAI celebrates 100 years since its founding in 1925. For a century, the association has played a key role in supporting research, innovation, and skill-building across the sugar and allied industries in India.
What to Expect at the Event
Over 1,000 participants from India and abroad are expected to attend—including sugar mill owners, engineers, scientists, policymakers, and agriculture experts. The three-day event will feature important discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing the sugar and bioenergy sectors.
The International Sugar Expo 2025, running alongside the convention, will host 115 exhibitors showcasing the latest in sugar processing, ethanol production, co-generation power, green hydrogen, pollution control, and agricultural equipment.
Inauguration by Top Leaders
The Expo will be inaugurated on 24th July by Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways. Other prominent dignitaries attending include:
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Mr. Sharad Pawar, Member of Parliament
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Mr. Ashwani Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs
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Mr. Ranjit Puri, Chairman, Saraswati Sugar Mills and ISGEC
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Mr. Sanjay Awasthi, President, STAI
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Mr. Murugesh Nirani, Chairman, MRN Group
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Mr. Jayant Patil, MLA and Former Maharashtra Finance Minister
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Mr. Tarun Sawhney, Vice Chairman & MD, Triveni Engineering
On 25th July, the Annual Convention will be officially opened by Mr. Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. Distinguished guests for this session include:
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Dr. Seema Paroha, Director, National Sugar Institute (NSI), Kanpur
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Mr. Sambhaji Kadu Patil, Director General, Vasantdada Sugar Institute, Pune
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Mr. Harshvardhan Patil, Chairman, National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories
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Mr. N. Chinnapan, President, South Indian Sugarcane Technologists Association
Focus on the Future: Integrated Bio-Refineries
A key highlight of the event will be a Panel Discussion on “Integrated Bio-Refineries: The Future of Indian Sugar Mills”—a shift towards turning sugar mills into multi-product plants producing ethanol, bio-CNG, green hydrogen, and more. Eminent panelists include:
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Dr. Seema Paroha, Director, NSI Kanpur
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Mr. Sanjay Awasthi, President, STAI
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Mr. Sanjay Desai, MD, Regreen Excel EPC
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Mr. R.K. Gangwar, MD, Mawana Sugars
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Moderated by Mr. R.L. Tamak, ED & CEO, DCM Shriram
Expert Lectures and Research Sharing
Two prestigious memorial lectures will be delivered:
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SN Gundurao Memorial Lecture by Mr. S.C. Sharma (Mehta Group, Uganda) on investments in the sugar industry
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Mangal Singh Memorial Lecture by Dr. Seema Paroha on sustainable use of sugar industry by-products
A total of 81 research papers will be presented, covering advancements in production, energy efficiency, by-product utilization, and automation.
India Leading the Ethanol Movement
STAI President Mr. Sanjay Awasthi highlighted India’s biofuel progress, announcing that the country achieved 20% ethanol blending with petrol in June 2025—six years ahead of schedule. The next target is 30% blending by 2030, which will reduce oil imports, save foreign exchange, boost farmer income, and help meet climate goals.
Honoring Excellence
STAI will also recognize outstanding contributions through its prestigious awards, including:
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Lifetime Achievement Award
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Industry Excellence Award
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Gold medals for achievements in engineering, innovation, energy conservation, and more.
About STAI
Founded in 1925, the Sugar Technologists’ Association of India (STAI) is the leading professional body for the sugar industry. With over 3,500 members, it promotes technical growth and innovation in sugarcane farming, sugar and ethanol production, co-generation, and environmental practices.
