Lucknow, May 15, 2025 — At the recent conference titled ‘Business Models on Mitigating Challenges Before the Sugar Industry’ held in Lucknow, key stakeholders from the sugar sector convened to discuss strategies for enhancing productivity and sustainability. Principal Secretary of Sugarcane Development, Veena Kumari, emphasized the critical need for increasing sugarcane productivity through the adoption of high-yielding varieties, optimized irrigation, soil health management, and effective pest control.
Kumari highlighted that improving sugarcane productivity is not solely about increasing output but also about ensuring that farmers maximize the potential of their cultivated land. She advocated for supporting farmers with knowledge on sustainable farming practices, access to quality inputs like fertilizers, and appropriate mechanization for better farm management.
A significant focus of the conference was on the diversification of the sugar industry. Kumari stressed that the industry must move beyond its traditional dependence on sugar production and explore value-added products such as ethanol, bio-based chemicals, jaggery, molasses, and other sugarcane by-products. This diversification is essential for creating new revenue streams and ensuring the industry’s sustainability.
Supporting this perspective, Prof. Narendra Mohan, former Director of the National Sugar Institute, Kanpur, underscored the importance of maintaining a balance between sugar demand and supply. He advocated for the development of diverse products to create extensive revenue streams and emphasized the need for ongoing research and development in areas like crop genetics and production technologies.
Sameer Sinha, CEO of Triveni Engineering and President of the UP Sugar Mills Association, called for policy interventions regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of sugar to enhance the viability of the sugar business. He also highlighted the importance of mechanization and soil health in improving productivity and yield.
Roshan Lal Tamak, Executive Director and CEO of DCM Shriram’s Sugar and Ethanol business, described ethanol as a “health tonic” for the sugar industry. He emphasized that ethanol blending programs have provided a cushion to sugar mills, making the industry more resilient. Tamak also highlighted the role of modern technologies, such as drip irrigation and drone spraying, in enhancing agricultural practices and conserving resources.
The conference concluded with remarks from Deepak Guptara, Secretary General of the Uttar Pradesh Sugar Mills Association (UPSMA), who reiterated the collective commitment to transforming the sugar industry into a more diversified and sustainable sector.
This gathering of industry leaders and experts marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by the sugar industry and exploring innovative solutions for its future growth.
