The Indian government has announced its refusal to permit sugar exports for the current 2023–24 season, which concludes in October. This has caused heavy disappointment in the sugar industry. Despite persistent appeals from the industry, export restrictions remain in place indefinitely.
The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) had fervently sought permission to export 10 lakh tons of sugar for the ongoing season, citing projections of a healthy closing stock by season-end. However, a senior official from the food ministry disclosed to PTI that the government is currently not entertaining the notion of sugar exports, despite industry pressure.
India’s sugar production has already exceeded 30 million tons as of March in the ongoing season, with ISMA revising its production estimate upward to 32 million tons for 2023–2024. This adjustment surpasses the government’s own projection of 31.5–32 million tons.
Nevertheless, in light of the surplus, the government is contemplating allowing sugar mills to divert excess B-heavy molasses towards ethanol production this year.