Vijendra Singh, Executive Director and Deputy CEO of Shree Renuka Sugars and President of SISMA (Karnataka), recently met with Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah. During their meeting, they discussed the challenges faced by the sugar industry, as well as the opportunities that lie ahead.
Singh expressed the industry’s concerns, and Minister Shah listened attentively, assuring his full support. The decisions on key pending issues can be expected soon.
The meeting emphasises the continuous efforts to tackle the challenges facing the sugar industry, with industry optimistic about potential positive outcomes in the near future.
Recently, the government has permitted sugar mills and distilleries to produce ethanol from sugarcane juice, B-heavy molasses, and C-heavy molasses during the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25. Additionally, the government has lifted a previous ban and allowed the sale of up to 2.3 million tonnes of rice from Food Corporation of India (FCI) stocks to grain-based ethanol distilleries. Furthermore, the government has also authorized sugar mills and distilleries to manufacture Rectified Spirit (RS) and Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) from sugarcane juice and B-heavy molasses.
The industry is also urging the government to consider a hike in ethanol prices and the minimum selling price (MSP) for sugar.
