Sugar Tech Finds Fame In Africa

While the sugar industry is looking at Brazil to expand their operations, Indian sugar technology is finding itself many takers in the African continent. Already, exports worth $0.5 billion in technology and machines have been made to the companies setting up operations there. Experts believe the figure may cross $1 billion by 2011-12.

“This is because the Indian technology and machines are much cheaper in cost than European and American counterparts,” said Dr G.S.C. Rao, President- Sugar Technologists’ Association of India. He added that the other contributing factor is that Chinese companies are not much into sugar as yet, giving Indian players an edge. Indian sugar industry is the second largest after Brazil. The technologies and equipment in use are the most favoured ones among the Afro-Asian countries given their capability for increased output and the low cost involved.

Rao added that at present the market for the sugar technology lies in Africa, as there are many countries which are leasing their lands for agriculture purposes, and the soil there is perfect for growing sugarcane. “Other than Indian players there, the African, Chinese, and even a few Europeans are also using our machines for their cost-effectivenes,’’ he added.

Rao also said that unlike in other trades and businesses, being Indian does not push them back, but added that the diplomatic support to their business would always be required to cash in on the opportunity lying there. The Sugar Technologists’ Association of India is organising a three-day exhibition in Kenya in July, where more than 60 companies are participating, and few other such programmes would follow soon.

source: businessworld.in