The Food Ministry has written to all sugar mills directing them to comply with the directions regarding mandatory jute packaging of 20% of the total production of sugar, as notified by Ministry of Textile under Jute Packaging Material (Compulsory Use in Packing Commodities) Act, 1987.
On March 27, the ministry stated that all the sugar mills are hereby directed to ensure the compliance of Ministry of Textile’s order dated 26th December 2023 and 01st October 2024 for mandatory packaging of 20% of the total production of sugar in the jute packaging material.
The Food Ministry further warned that any failure to comply with the Directorate’s instructions during the current sugar season (October 2024 – September 2025) could result in action under applicable laws.
“Non-compliance of the directions issued by this Directorate for Jute packaging of 20% of sugar produced during current sugar season 2024-25, will invite the action under Jute Packaging Material (Compulsory Use in Packing Commodities) Act, 1987 and Sugar(Control) Order, 1966 read with Section 3 of Essential Commodities Act, 1955,” the communication to sugar mills further reads.
Millers have been urging the government to completely exempt sugar from the compulsory jute packaging requirement. Sugar mills claim that this lead to increased costs and operational challenges.
