Sugar regulation revamp: Ministry adapts to technological progress

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution is set to review nearly six decades of regulations governing sugar production, storage and pricing. The ministry has issued the Sugar (Control) Order, 2024 in draft form.

The reform is a response to technological advances in the sugar industry, which necessitate an update of the existing Sugar Control Ordinance of 1966. “There have been many changes in the sugar sector, which require an amendment to the Sugar Control Ordinance of 1966,” the ministry said while presenting the bill.

The bill sets out the government’s powers to regulate sugar production, restrict its sale, storage and disposal, and take into account the fair and remunerative price (FRP) in setting sugar prices. The ministry is inviting comments on the bill until September 23.

(Based on information from the agency.)