Session – II of Sugar and Ethanol Conference organised by ChiniMandi discussed the future investments in Ethanol & Sugar. The session was titled- ‘Investing in the Future of Ethanol & Sugar’
There were 5 panellists in the session.
Mr. Prabhakar Rao, President, ISMA
Mr. Vijendra Singh, Executive Director & Dy. CEO, Shree Renuka Sugars
Mr. Vishal Nirani, Co-founder & ED, TruAlt Bioenergy
Mr. Roshan Lal Tamak, CEO, DCM Shriram
Mr. Kapil Nema, Asst. ED, Sugar Business- Dalmia Bharat Sugar & industries Ltd.
Mr. Prabhakar Rao, President, ISMA, gave a PPT Presentation on ‘investing
in the future of sugar and ethanol’. In the Presentation, he said that sugarcane planting area doubled in last 4 decades. Sugarcane production increased 300% from around 150 mn ton in 1980s (Last 4 decades) and sugarcane yield increased by about 40% during the same period.
India has now become surplus sugar producer over the years – 2nd highest sugar producer after Brazil. Ethanol capacities / supplies increased multifold. Ethanol Blending on target – achieved 12% blending in 2022-23 ESY.
He said that the key to success has been the growth of sugarcane and adoption of better technologies – R & D, investment in cane development and technology upgradation, better varieties, good agricultural practices. By addressing the challenges and implementing the proposed strategies, sugarcane can pave the way for a sustainable, secure, and profitable future for the Indian sugar and ethanol industries, along with benefiting farmers, stakeholders, and the environment. The sugar industry can fulfil its potential as the backbone of a thriving EBP, and India on road to become world leader in technological advancements evolving sugar industry as a ‘Bio- Energy Hub’ .
Mr. Vijendra Singh, Executive Director & Dy. CEO, Shree Renuka Sugars said that this year it is unlikely that the ethanol projected demand will be met as there are restrictions on diversion of sugar to ethanol. This year sugar diversion to Ethanol should be increased immediately further after re-assessment of crop especially in Karnataka & Maharashtra. This will help improve the ethanol supplies further. He said that the prices of ethanol should be increased regularly to make ethanol more remunerative to the industry and farmers who will expand cane plantation and supply. This will help in keeping in improving the economic health of the industry.
Mr. Vishal Nirani, Co-founder & ED, TruAlt Bioenergy said that availability of raw material to produce CBG is plenty. Going forward, CBG is going to be a big thing in waste to wealth creation. The Government is giving the right push to CBG, which will become mandatory in near future. In next 10 years, I am sure CBG will take the centre stage along with Sugar and Ethanol.
Mr. Roshan Lal Tamak, CEO, DCM Shriram said that sugarcane is heart of the sugar industry. Research should be the priority of sugar industry as varietal development is a game changer. We need all climate and high yield varieties. R&D and innovation should be in the forefront.
Mr. Kapil Nema, Asst. ED, Sugar Business- Dalmia Bharat Sugar & industries Ltd. said that if you look at the growth chart of Dalmia Sugar, we had sufficient prospects in UP, and then we were looking at new areas- Maharashtra and UP. After introduction of new cane varieties, there has been stability.
The session was moderated by Mr. Kiran Wadhwana – Owner, COMDEX India Ltd.
