Shift to ethanol needs sound govt policy: International Sugar Organisation

Diversification of surplus sugar into ethanol is big and we at ISO seriously think that it is a recipe for India, says ISO DG Jose Orive

Global sugar markets are facing an unprecedented glut as all major producing countries are registering a rise in output. Brazil, the world’s biggest producer, has successfully managed to shift to making ethanol from a significant part of its sugarcane production, making India the world’s largest sugar producer by default. In an interview, Director General of International Sugar Organisation, Jose Orive said continuous low prices will itself force people to reign in production. Edited excerpts:

There is a lot of talk around perpetual surplus sugar in India and many people believe that unless there is a big climatic disaster, India’s sugar