The National Sugar Institute (NSI), Kanpur has strengthened its international engagement with the global sugar industry by conducting a 14-day onsite training programme for technical personnel of Rai Sugar at the Naitiri Sugar Unit of West Kenya Sugar Company in Bungoma County, Kenya. The programme commenced on August 17, 2026, and concluded on August 30, 2026.
On the invitation of Rai Sugar, NSI Director Prof. Seema Paroha nominated Mahendra Pratap Singh, Professor of Sugar Technology, and Dr. Sudhanshu Mohan, Assistant Professor, as technical experts for the training programme. Technical personnel from Kakamega, Naitiri, Sukari Industries and Nzoia sugar mills participated in the programme. The training provided a platform for knowledge sharing, technical discussions, practical laboratory sessions and exchange of industry experiences among sugar industry professionals. 
N. V. Venkatappa, Unit Head; Girish Korradi, Technical Manager; and Sachin Jindal, Production Head, played an important role in the successful conduct of the training programme. Their support contributed to the smooth coordination of the technical sessions and practical activities during the programme.
Speaking about the initiative, NSI Kanpur Director Prof. Seema Paroha said the institute has previously conducted several training programmes in other countries as part of its efforts to share technical knowledge and support the development of the sugar and allied industries globally. She added that several NSI alumni are currently serving in senior positions in sugar-producing countries around the world, bringing recognition to the institute through their professional contributions.
Prof. Paroha further stated that NSI has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with several countries to support the profitability and technological development of the sugar and allied industries, while discussions with other countries are also underway. These collaborations are expected to take concrete shape in the future.
She emphasized that NSI aims to equip students with strong theoretical knowledge and practical skills so that they can effectively contribute to the growth and development of sugar mills and related companies wherever they work. To support this objective, the institute has continuously upgraded its infrastructure and modernized its laboratories with advanced equipment. NSI has also established facilities including a nano-brewery, an ethanol unit and a tissue culture laboratory to provide students with practical exposure to emerging technologies and strengthen its contribution to the global sugar industry.
