Future of sugar industries not so bright; sugar mill owners should get into energy generation for revenue: Gadkari

Pune: Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari said on Friday that the future of the sugar industry remains bleak unless mill operators aggressively diversify into energy production.

Speaking at an event in Satara during a two-day tour of western Maharashtra, Gadkari did not mince words regarding the industry’s sustainability. “The more sugar the mills produce, the more their owners will weep,” he said. “As a minister, I cannot say too much about the future of the industry, but it will be quite tough.”

His remarks come against the backdrop of the central govt’s decision to ban sugar exports. The move has faced stiff resistance from opposition parties and farmer activists, who argue that the ban will prevent sugarcane growers from securing remunerative prices.

Gadkari, a long-time advocate for biofuels, emphasised that ethanol has been the industry’s only saving grace. “Had they not produced ethanol, it would have been nearly impossible for mill owners to pay sugar cane farmers. Currently, owners are forced to stockpile sugar in warehouses and pay mounting rent. They are only in a better position today because of ethanol sales,” he noted.

Urging a “change in mindset,” the Union minister called for mills to move beyond traditional production and embrace innovation. He suggested that factories should expand into producing isobutanol and green hydrogen. He urged sugar factories set up their own ethanol pumps to boost revenue and create local employment opportunities.

In addition to his comments on the sugar sector, Gadkari inspected the progress of the Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram Palkhi routes stretching from Pune to Pandharpur. Expressing satisfaction with the pace of construction, he confirmed that the project is slated for completion by Dec-end.