ARTICLE 4

The sugar and ethanol industry in India is under pressure due to rising costs, stagnant minimum selling/ethanol prices and increasing cane prices. Industry bodies have formally demanded a raise in MSP of sugar and the procurement prices of ethanol to ensure viability. The government has acknowledged the demand and is considering action.

A steep fall in maize prices has left hundreds of farmers in Koppal district facing financial distress. The sudden price crash, coming soon after a good harvest, has shattered farmers’ hopes of earning fair returns for their hard work.

The SAP rise is intended to benefit sugarcane farmers in UP by giving them higher assured price for their produce. This can boost their incomes. The increased cost of raw material (cane) squeezes margins, especially when sugar selling prices and ethanol procurement rates are not rising equivalently.

A high-level delegation representing Bihar’s ethanol industry met with a senior government official in New Delhi to discuss the current challenges facing the sector and explore ways to strengthen ethanol production in the state.

Sugar futures extended their rally on Tuesday as traders continued to cover short positions amid tightening global supply concerns. Prices rose for a third consecutive session, supported by lower production forecasts from major exporters such as Brazil and India.

In a surprising turn for the agricultural sector, both corn and soybean have seen a bumper arrival across major mandis this week. Favorable weather conditions and higher-than-expected yields have led to record supplies, pushing prices to their lowest levels in recent months.

Tensions flared across the sugar-producing regions of North Karnataka as thousands of sugarcane farmers took to the streets on Wednesday, demanding a fair and higher procurement price for their produce.

Indian bio‑fuel specialist K2 Ethanol Pvt. Ltd, part of the broader K2 Group of Industries, has selected Austrian technology group ANDRITZ AG to engineer, procure, install and commission (EPC) a greenfield integrated plant combining ethanol distillation and animal‑feed production.

The Dwarkadhish Sugar Factory in Nashik district has announced plans to crush 6 lakh tons of sugarcane during the upcoming crushing season. Factory officials stated that all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

Farmers across several regions have expressed deep concern over the sharp decline in soybean and maize prices, which have fallen below the expected market rate this season. Due to the low returns, many cultivators are struggling to cover their input costs, including seeds, fertilizers, and transportation.

India’s sugar market is witnessing a slump as stronger-than-expected sugar production pushes prices downward. According to industry reports, the country’s mills have ramped up production this season, resulting in a surplus supply in domestic markets.

ethanol production in the United States has reached a new record high, reflecting strong domestic demand for biofuels. Analysts attribute the rise to steady gasoline consumption, improved refinery output, and favorable government policies supporting renewable fuels.