New Delhi, 22 September: The India Sugar and Bio-Energy Conference 2023 successfully concluded today here in New Delhi. It was jointly organized by the Indian Sugar Mills Association and International Sugar Organization under the patronage of the Government of India. The two-day conference witnessed thought-provoking discussions, knowledge sharing and exchange of ideas from experts, thought leaders, and stakeholders from sugar, biofuels, and allied industries to pave the way for a sustainable sugar and bio-energy sector. The outcomes of the conference will be pivotal in promoting sugar industry’s growth, enabling transition of farmers from “Annadata” to “Urjadata” (food producers to fuel producers), achieving energy security through biofuels, and meeting sustainability targets including net-zero.
In his video message, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri lauded the efforts of ISMA and ISO for organizing the conference. He said, “We have entered a new era in the pursuit of sustainable growth, and nations coming together for sustainability is a great move. India is focused on continuously raising the bar in terms of ethanol blending. The sugar industry has played a significant role in it, and it has a larger role to play in sustainable aviation fuels. I congratulate and thank ISMA and ISO for organizing the conference at this time when biofuels are set to transform the world.”
During the conference, Aditya Jhunjhunwala, President, ISMA emphasized the importance of the right policy support to help India achieve its sustainability targets. “The Government’s priority is the industry’s priority. We are well on our way to achieving the target of 20% of ethanol blending by 2025. We also need to think beyond 2025, as demand is projected to increase much higher by the end of this decade. The successful outcomes of the conference will undoubtedly be pivotal for a sustainable future of the sugar and bio-energy sectors,” he added.
Expanding beyond national boundaries, the conference also provided a global perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Jose Orive, Executive Director of ISO, shared his wealth of experience, enriching the discourse with a nuanced understanding of the global sugar dynamics. The conference also hosted a session where global experts discussed changing trends and outlook in Brazil and Thailand in biofuels. Additionally, complex factors influencing sugar pricing, including supply and demand, government policies, and global production trends were also highlighted during the event. Experts provided valuable insights into the current state of sugar pricing and its expectations for the future, the need to balance domestic consumption, ethanol production, and exports to address industry challenges.
Sangeet Singla, (S& VO, SP, SDF and SPF), Dept. of Food & PD, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, stressed on social upliftment of farmers, focusing on areas like healthcare and education. “All of us are consumers of sugar, and the responsibility rests on our shoulders to ensure sustainability in all aspects. For the empowerment of farmers and the strengthening of the rural economy, we must not only focus on environmental concerns but also on social aspects such as healthcare and education. We need to prioritize sustainable inputs for crops, minimize or optimize the use of chemical fertilizers, and provide training to farmers. The sugar industry must take the lead in training farmers. Let us commit together to building a sustainable future for all,” he said.
During a session in the conference, a novel concept of ‘Green Energy Stations’ or hubs was introduced, with the potential to provide various green bio-products, including biogas and biofuels, which could be a game-changer. It also highlighted the role of ethanol not only in private transportation but also in sustainable aviation fuel, calling for united efforts from the industry, government and stakeholders to drive these initiatives forward.
Highlighting the significance of compressed bio gas during the conference, Sanjay Ganjoo, Director, Indian Federation of Green Energy said, “Compressed bio gas is growing very fast within the bio-energy sector, and the government is promoting it in a big way. It is going to be a sunrise sector, and it is important to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, achieve cost savings, and open up opportunities for farmers. It is also pivotal to make India a gas-based economy and diversify our energy supply.”
In the session titled “Indispensable: Maintaining Soil Health & Cane Yields,” experts explored the intricate dynamics of soil health and cane yields. They further delved into sustainable pricing strategies for sugar crops, emphasized the importance of product diversity, discussed innovative delivery models vital for a sustainable sugar and bioenergy sector, and underscored the critical role of rainfall in cane crop success. This session also highlighted how these factors collectively contribute to a robust industrial agriculture ecosystem and their profound impact on fostering a strong rural economy.
The two-day conference organized on 21-22 September successfully provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the sugar industry on a global scale. The Day 1 saw experts coming under one roof for insightful sessions, including discussions on “Global Sugar Supply & Demand,” The Future of Mobility,” and “India Balancing Domestic Sugar Consumption, Ethanol & Exports.” It was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Sanjeev Chopra – Secretary, Ministry of Food & Public Distribution, Kamran Rizvi- Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nobrega – Brazilian Ambassador to India, Jose Orive – Executive Director, ISO, and Aditya Jhunjhunwala – President of ISMA, among others.
India is a major producer, consumer and exporter of sugar in the world, taking a leading position in the sugar industry. Additionally, it is also playing an important role in global sustainability and bio-energy initiatives. The India Sugar & Bio-Energy Conference, 2023 is poised to continue as a platform for knowledge sharing, idea exchange, and the formulation of a roadmap for a more sustainable and greener sugar and bio-energy sector. Prior to the conference, Indian Sugar Mills Association and Bonsucro signed an MoU for a partnership to share knowledge and develop joint initiatives to initiate sustainability practices in the Indian sugar industry.
