(a) whether raw sugar was imported during the last one year and the current year;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) the rate of import and the per kilogram expenditure incurred on processing;
(d) whether any stipulations were made for sale/distribution of the processed sugar
in the domestic market; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government to check violations made thereon?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a), (b), (c), (d) & (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE STARRED QUESTION NO.61 DUE FOR ANSWER
ON 02.03.2010 IN THE LOK SABHA.
(a)&(b): Production of sugar during the previous 2008-09 sugar season is provisionally estimated at about 147
lac tons as against estimated consumption of about 220 lac tons. Also, production of sugar in the current
sugar season 2009-10 is estimated to be low at about 160 lac tons as against the estimated consumption of
about 230 lac tons. To bridge the gap between the production and consumption of sugar in the last sugar
season 2008-09 (October- September) and also in the current sugar season 2009-10, the Central Government
has, inter-alia, permitted duty-free import of raw sugar by sugar mills/refineries and any person other
than sugar mills/refineries, on job basis, upto 31.12.2010. There has been no import of sugar on Government
account either in the last sugar season 2008-09 or in the current sugar season 2009-10.
(c): Since it is the sugar mills/ refineries and any person other than sugar mills/refineries who have
undertaken import of raw sugar as per their commercial prudence, the rate of import of raw sugar is not
available with the Government. The expenditure per kilogram incurred on processing of raw sugar varies
from factory to factory undertaking processing of such raw sugar.
(d): Accelerated releases have been allowed to sugar mills for sale of sugar processed from imported
raw sugar and they are required to obtain release orders for its sale on monthly basis.
(e): No case of willful violation for sale/distribution of the processed sugar in the domestic market
has come to the notice of the Department.