For the first time ever in the history of world sugar, India will be the largest producer & the largest consumer of sugar. Thanks to Brazil’s diversion of cane towards Ethanol resulting in Brazil’s sugar production will not be more than 30 Mln Tons.
To ensure a smooth working in the industry many associations, organizations & federations exist. These bodies function to be the voice of millers, traders or other stake holders of the industry ensuring that any circumstance would not blow a high wind on to them which would directly or indirectly affect the industry.
Similarly, the sugar fraternity proudly veterans who not only represent any organization/body but also stand firm to represent the industry. They spread their wings wider by sharing their extensive knowledge & vast experience in molding the industry better. The sugar industry possesses a diamond who has rubbed himself in the knowledge of private sector multi-national sector and now co-operative sector. He is an active member on various national and international institutes relating to the businesses of sugar and sugar by-products.
This veteran named Mr.Prakash Naiknavare has been sharing a long and fruitful association of more than 20 years with the sugar industry. He is currently the Managing Director of India’s National Sugar Federation, an apex body representing 262 cooperative sugar mills & 9 state sugar federations across India. Prior to taking up this prestigious position, he headed the Maharashtra Sugar Federation as its Managing Director for 12 long tears. He also had 5 year tenure as Country Head – India of Sugar Maxx Inc, a US based MNC. Mr.Naiknavare has been closely associated with India’s sugar / sugarcane related policies. He has to his honour of having contributed in various high power committees appointed by Government of India & NABARD. He has widely travelled across the globe & has visited almost all the major sugar producing countries.
Mr.Prakash Naiknavare was recently awarded the “Life Time Achievement Award”by The Sugar Technologists’ Association of India (STAI) for his unconditional contribution towards the growth and development of the sugar industry.
Speaking to Mr.Naiknavare, I was never interested in being a trail-blazer; I have always had a determination to do my bit for the betterment of the industry through my knowledge & experience, be it representing a company, a cooperative miller or a farmer. I progressed, gaining experience and knowledge, moving on from one sector to another. I feel, in my own quiet way, I have left my stamp on the industry.
Mr.Naiknavare laid the foundation of his knowledge for the industry with his academics in Agricultural Science & Business Management, he left no stone unturned in devoting his entire career in & around Agri businesses which started from Seeds, Fertilisers, Agrochemicals it spanned across all the Agribusiness gametes viz, projects in floriculture, mashroom, micro irrigation, exports of fresh fruits etc.
His major and commendable accomplishments in sugar includes helping rehabilitating coop sugar mills with the help of NABARD package, undertaking record sugar exports of raws & whites during the glut of 2006-7.
His active & decisive involvement in GOI’s recent policy reforms viz, fixing MSP of sugar, crating 30 Lakh Tons buffer stock, cane incentive of Rs.55 per ton & interest subvention for augmenting Ethanol capacity have helped relieve much stress of sugar industry
