Question : Buffer Stock of Sugar

(a) whether the sugar industry in the country has been demanding creation of a two million tonne buffer stock of sugar on Government account to reduce stocks, if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto indicating the estimated production, demand and stock of sugar during the current and ensuing sugar season;

(b) whether the industry has alternatively suggested purchase of the said quantity by Government agencies like FCI, MMTC, STC or APEDA; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto?

MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)

(a) Yes, Madam. Representations have been received from representative bodies of the sugar industry seeking creation of buffer stock of two million tonne of sugar on Government account to reduce stocks of sugar. No such proposal is under consideration of the Government.

The production, consumption and season end stock of sugar during current sugar season 2014-15 are respectively estimated at 280 lakh tonnes, 248 lakh tonnes and 96 lakh tonnes. At this stage, it is too early to arrive at such estimates for the ensuing sugar season.

(b) & (c) Representative bodies of the sugar industry have also suggested that loan may be given to any Government agency like FCI, STC, MMTC, APEDA etc who can utilize the same to buy 25-30 lakh tonnes of sugar. The proposal is not under consideration of the Government.

***