India’s sugar industry has become a major part of the economy, now worth ₹1.3 lakh crore each year. Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi announced this achievement, saying the industry is helping rural development, energy security, and green fuel efforts.
The announcement was made during the ‘Cooperative Sugar Industry Conclave 2025’ and the ‘National Efficiency Award Ceremony’.
Minister Joshi credited the growth to policy changes and strong leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that with the help of reforms like ethanol blending and promoting self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in fuel, the sugar industry has transformed.
“Under PM Modi’s leadership, the sugar sector is now powering rural growth and green energy,” Joshi shared on social media.
He also said it’s encouraging to see how this industry is helping build a more sustainable and self-reliant future for India.
The conclave was held by the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited, formed in 1960 to support cooperative sugar mills. All cooperative sugar factories and state sugar federations are members of this group.
A senior official added that ethanol production has grown more than four times in the last 11 years. India now produces 1,810 crore litres of ethanol every year. Ethanol blending in petrol has increased from 1.53% in 2013 to about 19% now.
This progress has helped India save over ₹1.10 lakh crore in foreign currency and has given better earnings to sugarcane and foodgrain farmers.
