Question : PRODUCTION OF SUGAR



(a) whether the Sugar production has fallen during 1999-2000 in comparison to 1998-99;

(b) if so, how much and the reasons therefor; and

(c) the plan chalked out to increase the production of sugar in the country?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SHRI V. SREENIVASA PRASAD)

(a) & (b) : No Sir. During the current season, as on 15.03.2000, the production was 127.75 lakh tonnes (provisional) while on the corresponding date last season it was 110.09 lakh tonnes (provisional) thus, showing an increase of 16.04%.

(c) Various steps like early and late crushing incentives, providing low interst, short and long term loans from Sugar Development Fund for modernisation/expansion, for cane development and for purchase of inputs for improved cultivation of sugarcane to the sugar mills etc. are taken from time to time to boost sugar production in the country.