ISMA's 2016-17 sugar output estimate misleading, no imports required now: Paswan

Paswan insists there is no shortage of sugar in the country

Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan today rejected the sugar output estimates being furnished by industry body ISMA, saying the frequent downward revision was "misleading" and India had enough sugar stocks and imports are not required at this stage.

The Minister said the Food Ministry will take up the issue of sugar production forecast with the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA).

"Who has given the right to them (to forecast)? You cannot believe their production numbers. They are misleading public and the industry by releasing wrong numbers. They should not be doing this," Paswan told reporters.

The frequent revision of sugar output estimate for