The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy inaugurated the 64th Council Meeting of the International Sugar Organization (ISO) on June 25, 2024. Experts from over 30 countries participated in the meeting to discuss the future of sugarcane, sugar, and allied sectors.
Focus on Sustainability and Collaboration
The Minister highlighted India’s role as the world’s largest sugar consumer and a significant biofuel producer. He emphasized the importance of biofuels in combating climate change and the success of India’s Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) Programme. The Secretary, Department of Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, called for greater collaboration among ISO member countries to tackle climate change through sustainable practices. He suggested joint research and development efforts between India and Brazil, the top two sugar producers, to develop better sugarcane varieties.
Knowledge Sharing and Industry Progress
A workshop titled “Sugar & Bio-Energy – Emerging Vistas” was held alongside the meeting. The workshop provided a platform for industry leaders and government officials to discuss key topics such as:
- Sustainability through Diversification: This session focused on the role of the Ethanol Blending Programme in promoting sustainable practices in sugarcane farming and the sugar sector.
- Mechanization & Modernization of the Sugar Sector: Discussions centered on farm mechanization, customization of machinery for small farms, and the use of technology to improve sugarcane cultivation.
- Digitization of the Sugar Sector: This session highlighted initiatives like the Government of India’s AgriStack program, which is revolutionizing agricultural data management for better policy formulation.
- Global Demand and Supply of Sugar: Experts analyzed the global sugar and ethanol sector, providing insights into trade patterns and sugar price expectations.
- Green Hydrogen: The session explored the potential of hydrogen as a source of energy and the role of the sugar sector in its development.
The conference provided a valuable opportunity for international collaboration and knowledge sharing in the sugar industry. The focus on sustainability and innovation paves the way for advanced practices in the sector.
