(a) whether it is true that India is set to push Brazil to second position in sugar production after 15 years and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether it is also true that there has been 21 per cent drop in sugar manufacturing and that it was because of lower sugarcane yields and more sugarcane being diverted towards ethanol production as record global sugar supplies have led to weak prices; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)
(a) & (b): Sugar production during last sugar season 2017-18 was about 322 Lakh MT which is highest production so far in the country. Sugar production during current sugar season 2018-19 is estimated to be about 315 Lakh MT which is almost of the same level of previous season. As of now, India is the second largest producer of sugar in the world. In order to improve the liquidity position of the sugar mill to facilitate clearance of cane arrears of farmers and to divert surplus sugar for ethanol production, Government has fixed remunerative price of ethanol produced from B-Hy molasses and diverted from cane juice. These measures may lower sugar production.
(c): Does not arise.
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