Amit Shah highlights significant growth in sugarcane cultivation and ethanol production, which is crucial for agriculture and energy sectors

New Delhi (India), August 10 (ANI): Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday highlighted the significant increase in sugarcane cultivation and production as well as ethanol production, which are key milestones in the country’s agriculture and energy sectors.

Shah was speaking at the Sugar Conclave and National Efficiency Award 2022-23 ceremony in New Delhi on Saturday. He lauded the achievements of the sugar industry over the past decade.

Shah said, “In 2013-14, the area under sugarcane was 5 million hectares and today, in the tenth year, we have been able to successfully increase it to 6 million hectares, which is an increase of 18 per cent. Sugarcane production, which was 352 million tonnes, has now reached 491 million tonnes, which is an increase of 40 per cent. The yield has also increased by 19 per cent and the gross sugar production has increased by 58 per cent.”He added, “Ethanol production and diversion of sugar to ethanol was 0 million tonnes, but today, due to policy measures, we are able to produce 4.5 million tonnes of sugar to diversion of ethanol. Ethanol from the sugar industry was initially 380 million litres, with limited utilisation, but today it has increased to 3.7 billion litres, produced exclusively by our sugar mills.” This expansion underlines the coordinated efforts of the government and industry to increase agricultural production and support the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the country.

Amit Shah also highlighted the significant increase in sugarcane production, which has gone up from 352 million tonnes in 2013-14 to a staggering 491 million tonnes currently, a 40 per cent increase.

The increase in production is accompanied by a 19 percent increase in yields, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern agricultural techniques and government interventions to increase productivity.

Gross sugar production, a key indicator of industry output, also saw a significant increase of 58 percent during the same period. This growth underscores the resilience and potential of the Indian sugar industry, which continues to meet growing domestic demand and contribute to exports.

The shift to ethanol has not only helped in reducing the sugar surplus but has also contributed significantly to India’s energy security. Amit Shah further explained that ethanol from the sugar industry, which was just 380 million litres a decade ago with limited use, has now skyrocketed to 3.7 billion litres.

This massive growth is attributed to targeted policies and incentives introduced by the government to promote ethanol production, which is now a key part of the country’s efforts to transition to renewable energy. (ANI)