Can export 1 million tonne sugar if output meets estimate: official

Meanwhile, the Food Ministry said the sugar production is expected to reach 336 lakh metric tonnes with a diversion of about 50 LMT for ethanol production.

The government has allowed export of 6 million tonnes of sugar this year. (File image)

Listen to this article

00:00

1x 1.5x 1.8x

Observing that sufficient sugar will remain available for domestic consumption at reasonable prices throughout the year, a food ministry official on Monday said that India will have a “cushion” to export additional one-million tonnes of sugar this year if the domestic production reaches the estimated 33.6 million tonnes.

Subodh Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, said, “So far, we have estimated 336 lakh metric tonnes of sugar production. If it comes like 336 lakh metric tonnes, then we will have a cushion of one million tonnes for sugar export… We will review it in April and take a call.”

Singh stated that sufficient sugar will remain available for domestic consumption at reasonable prices throughout the year.

Story continues below this ad

Meanwhile, the Food Ministry said the sugar production is expected to reach 336 lakh metric tonnes with a diversion of about 50 LMT for ethanol production.

“Total sucrose production in the country would be 386 LMT. This is a little less than last year sucrose production of 395 LMT but second highest in last 5 years,” the ministry said in a statement.