The 3rd edition of the blockbuster, one of its kind Conference on Sugar and Ethanol concluded in New Delhi on a high note on 2nd February. Sugar and Ethanol India Conference- SEIC 2024 saw the biggest congregation of who’s who from the Sugar and ethanol universe. The Conference is produced, conceptualised and organised by ChiniMandi, the biggest news portal catering to sugar, ethanol and allied industries news, views and networking saw a bevy of Government Ministers, Senior Government officials, senior representatives from the sugar industry both from private and cooperative factories, Oil Marketing Companies, traders, big sugar consumers, suppliers etc.
The main highlight of the 2-day conference was the first ever Sugar and Ethanol International Conference (SEIA-2024), which was graced by none other than the heartthrob of Bollywood- Bhagyashree, who presented awards to the winners for their distinguished service and support to the sugar industry.
Organisations and individuals were acknowledged for their dedication and hardwork and bringing about positive changes to the sugar and ethanol space. The Awards were given in a total of 28 categories- Sugarcane Producer (Farmer), Private Mill, Cooperative Mill, Ethanol Producers, Standalone Distillery, Khandsari Mill, Domestic Trader, International Trade Houses, Sugar Retail Chain, Logistics Company, Rake Transportation, C&F Agent, Bank, NBFC, Branded Sugar, Bulk Consumers, Port, Sugar Mill Suppliers, Engineering Company, International Trader (Individual), Philanthropist, Individual from Corporate Sector, Collateral Management, Insurance Company, Lifetime Achievement Award, Research House and Organisations.
Day 1 Highlights:
The first day started with the Inaugural session, wherein senior Government officials and bigwigs of the sugar industry were felicitated.
The Opening Address was given by Aswani Srivastava- JS (Sugar), DFPD, who emphasised on steps the government is taking to ensure sugar prices remain affordable to all customers across the country and on sugar production scenario.
Addressing the Conference, he said, “Sugarcane depends on the vagaries of nature, that is why production varies from year to year. This time we are facing a decreasing trend. Let me assure you that the government remains committed to maintaining a balanced and fair sugar market. Our efforts are there to ensure sugar prices remain affordable to all customers across the country.”
The Keynote Address on Day 1 was given by Prakash Naiknavare, Managing Director of National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd. (NFCSF). He presented a PPT on ‘Explore, Innovate & Sustain In Sugar Industry’.
This was followed by a S&D Classroom by Dr. Claudiu Covrig, Founder & Senior Analyst, CovrigAnalytics, Switzerland. In his PPT Presentation, Claudiu pointed out that CS Brazil is having a fantastic season. But there were no new investments in adding sugarcane capacity. There have been no new sugar mills that have come on-line since 2016-2018. Overall from the global point of view- 2024-25 will have a small deficit as higher Brazilian sugar mix might not be enough. There will be a tiny surplus in the current season.
Day-1 had in total 3 panel discussions.
Session – I: Sweet Perspective on Global Sugar Market. The main theme of the panel was to throw light on global sugar market dynamics, India’s impact on Brazil, and an analysis of the upcoming seasons.
Session – II: Investing in the Future of Ethanol and Sugar. The panel discussed investment perspectives, new avenues like CBG, and the need for research.
Session – III: Sustainable Synergy – Value Maximization in Sugar & Ethanol Industry. The panellists deliberated on maximizing value and efficiency within the industry. Speakers said that the focus should be given to raw materials, the need for sugarcane variety and modernization.
Day 2 Highlights:
Day 2 was graced by senior Government Ministers who addressed the participants. Raosaheb Patil Danve, Minister of State for Railways, said that as a result of the reforms and constructive policies undertaken under the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the sugar industry has developed in India, and it is making an important contribution to achieving the goal of a developed India. Along with him Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil was also present on Day II.
The second day began with a PPT Presentation made by Karamyog Singh of Mahindra and Mahindra. In his PPT Presentation titled ‘Smart Harvesting Solution”. He said that one of the key issues faced by sugar mills is accurate estimation of sugarcane crop area, wherein Smart Harvest Solution can help sugar mills get an accurate estimation of harvested area, with weekly updates.
This was followed by the first session of Day 2.
Session IV: Outlook on Indian Sugarcane Crop (2024 and beyond)- The focus of the session was sugar production estimations and discussions on the upcoming crushing season. The panellists did an impact analysis of ethanol diversion restrictions and weather considerations, and discussed consumption and diversification dynamics pf Gur/Khandsari.
Session V: Forecast Export or Import 2025: Domestic Stocks Scenario. The panellists drew their opinions on India’s export forecast going forward, with deliberations on whether India has broken the cyclicality of 3 years of surplus sugar production followed by 2 years of deficit sugar production.
Session VI: Chini: Tezi… yaa Mandi..?- Insights on the current stress in the sugar market. Opinions on potential sugar price fluctuations and the impact of government policies. Discussions on challenges for sugar traders and expectations for the next season.
Session VII: Can India achieve 20% ethanol blending by 2025? Panellists spoke about the steps that are required to ensure that India is able to achieve 20% ethanol blending soon.
Sangeet Singla, Chief Directorate Sugar, DGFT emphasised on cane development. He said that it’s high time that the sugar sector needs to work on sugarcane. The country needs drought resistant varieties, better yield, pest resident varieties etc. “I think industry based or sponsored research is the need of the hour. I suggest industry associations and as well as major groups need to keep aside some of their capital as R&D work and invest in R&D for the interest of the sector”, he said.
Bollywood actor Jimmy Shergill presented ‘Gratitude of Gesture’ mementoes to all the Sponsors of the Conference. There were in total 6 categories of Sponsors- Presenting Sponsor, Port Partner , Platinum Sponsor , Gold Sponsor, Silver Sponsor and Associate Partners.
For SEIC 2024, there were more that 50 Sponsors of the event. The Presenting Sponsor was the prestigious MRN (Nirani) Group and the Title Sponsor is the KBK Group (Renuka Sugar Group Company).
