The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) hosted the 11th edition of Sugartech 2025 in Lucknow yesterday.
The conference was attended by industry experts, policymakers, academia and research scholars.
The deliberations were chaired by Narendra Mohan Agarwal, former director, National Sugar Institute (NSI) and Managing Director, Greentech.
CII Sugartech 2025 feted companies and innovative farmers for their contribution in the field of sugar production and sustainability.
Kumar Vineet, MD, UP Sugar Federation, said the real opportunity lies in building a farmer-centric ecosystem where productivity growth goes hand-in-hand with profitability and sustainability.
“By enhancing the quality of cane, we unlock higher recovery for mills, and by improving the quantity, we ensure farmer prosperity and steady supply chains,” he added.
It is only through this balance that India can strengthen its position as a global sugar leader and also diversify into ethanol, green energy, and value-added products, he noted.
Agrawal emphasised the sugar industry has transformed over the past two decades, evolving from a single-product sector into a diversified hub for bio-electricity, bio-ethanol, compressed biogas, and future-ready green fuels.
“The real opportunity lies in transitioning mills into integrated bio-refineries operating year-round, creating bio-energy, bio-chemicals, and sustainable fuels, while keeping environmental sustainability at the core,” he noted.
Rakesh Kumar Gangwar, MD, Mawana Sugars Limited said the sugar industry is balancing the dual objectives of increasing cane productivity and enhancing the quality of both cane and manufactured sugar.
“Enhancing both the quantity and quality of sugarcane is critical to meet growing domestic demand, ensure steady exports, and support ethanol production for a sustainable energy future,” he added.
Shankar Lal Sharma, ED, Uttam Sugar Mills said advances in technology, from precision agriculture to bio-refineries, are redefining how we produce and utilise sugar, making the entire value chain more efficient and environmentally responsible.
Alok Saxena, ED, Gobind Sugar Mills emphasised the importance of diversifying into ethanol production to support India’s blending targets, reduce surplus, and strengthen revenue streams.
Satish Maratha, MD, AB Mauri India noted the Indian sugar industry has evolved from a single-product focus to becoming an integral part of the nation’s green energy transition.
He emphasised the next phase of growth will come from harnessing advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and innovative bio-based solutions to improve efficiency.