Sugar industry goes innovative to expand its base and keep going

Chennai: Innovation seems to be the only way forward for the sugar industry in India, marred by a variety of problems, including the cyclic nature of the crop. To keep the sector going, the industry with its best pool of technocrats in the world is stepping outside the country to cater to the technological needs of sugar and allied industries in the African continent, South East Asia and South Asia.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 9th Joint Convention of the Sugar Technologists Association of India (STAI) and South Indian sugarcane and Sugar Technologists Association (SISSTA) in Chennai, STAI president GSC Rao said that after the resounding success of the first international sugar expo in Kenya in July, STAI is planning to organise another expo in Bangkok next year. “The focus of the expo in Kenya was to showcase products, processes, services and technologies related to the sugar industry offered by the Indian sugar machinery manufactures.

It provided an opportunity for African players in the industry to witness and learn about the latest technological developments in the fields of sugar, power and alcohol. The exposition was aimed at promoting the efficiency and competitiveness of the Indian sugar industry in addition to exposing Kenya’s business and investment potential in the industry,” said Rao. Next year, we will target the Asean countries as they, too, have a very bright future for the sugar sector, rao added.

With around 615 installed sugar mills, India is the second largest producer and the largest consumer of sugar in the world. And to cater to the technological needs of sugar and allied industries for an industry of this size, approximately 5,000 SMEs serve as the backbone to the Indian sugar industry.

However, inspite of being quality product producers, many of them are unable to make a beginning in the international arena due to lack of right contacts. “The idea to hold an expo in Kenya was mooted to give our SME’s an international exposure,” said Rao.

While providing Indian SMEs in the field of sugar and allied technology a window to survive in tough global conditions, STAI is also trying to work towards the improvement of the domestic industry by way of innovation and diversification to sustain the onslaught of fluctuations. From expanding the area under cane irrigation in the face of stiff competition from other crops to insulating it against the vagaries of nature and finding ways...

source: financialexpress