Question : SHORTAGE OF SUGAR

(a) whether there has been shortage of sugar in the country recently and consequent rise in prices in the domestic market;

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the production, demand and prices of sugar during the last year;

(c) the estimated opening stock of sugar as on 1st October, 2014 along with the likely sugar production and demand as per Government and industry estimates during 2014-15 sugar season; and

(d) whether the sugar production is adequate to meet the domestic demand, if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) & (b): No, Madam. During last sugar season 2013-14, the production of sugar was 245.54 lac MT against the demand of 243 Lac MT for internal consumption. The prices of sugar has been stable during the last year.

(c) & (d): The estimated opening stock of sugar as on 1st October, 2014 is 72.13 Lac MT. The likely production of sugar during 2014-15 season has been estimated at 265 lakh MT. which is adequate to meet the estimated domestic demand of 248 lakh MT.