Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Department of Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi highlighted the progress of India’s sugar industry in the opening ceremony of the 64th ISO Council Meeting. He emphasized on creating a Atmanirbhar Bharat that will focus on providing sustainable, equitable and secure future to all by collaboration and guiding innovation in the sugar sector.
Minister said, “We understand that India has to delicately balance the interests of sugarcane farmers, consumers, and the industry. Farming in India is not just a profession but a lifestyle which is a foundation of the Indian economy and culture. In Karnataka, the area under sugarcane has nearly doubled in the last 6 to 7 years. Therefore, the Government of India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accords top priority to farmers. Sugar mills and farmers are working together to improve sugarcane varieties, irrigation facilities, and adopt better agrarian practices. Biofuels will continue to be a powerful driver for the Atmanirbhar and sustainable future of India.
“ISO should continue to collaborate on enhancing agricultural productivity. Our priority should not only be to improve farm income but also to minimize water usage. Advanced technologies across the sugar value chain should be increasingly adopted. This will be crucial for increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring the sustainability of the industry,” he further added.
India is hosting a global event in sugar sector ‘ISO Council Meeting’ in New Delhi from 25th till 27th June, 2024. Delegates from more than 30 countries and representatives of many international organisations have joined to deliberate on critical issues of sugar and biofuel sector.
