Cooperative sugar factories’ body to urge Centre to lift sugar export ban

Pune: The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) announced on Saturday that it will write to the central govt requesting immediate lifting of ban on sugar exports.

During a meeting in Pune chaired by NFCSF president Harshvardhan Patil, federation members discussed the mounting challenges facing cooperative sugar factories across India. The primary concern raised was the detrimental impact of the sudden export ban on both international trade and domestic stability.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Patil said, “The central govt’s ban on sugar exports was abrupt and will have long-lasting consequences for the industry. Some exporters had already received payments, and in several instances, containers carrying sugar were already in transit when the ban was announced.”

Patil highlighted the potential damage to India's standing in the global market. “India exports sugar to six or seven countries, and we are already receiving urgent calls from international buyers. Failing to honour finalised deals creates a poor impression of India’s sugar industry globally. Therefore, the federation is requesting the govt to revoke the ban,” he said.

The Union govt recently imposed the ban, effective until Sept 30, to stabilise domestic prices and ensure supply amid geopolitical uncertainties stemming from the conflict in West Asia. However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and farmers' outfits.

According to Patil, the ban has led to a sharp decline in local rates. “Domestic sugar prices have crashed following the ban, making it difficult for factories to recover costs and fulfil payment obligations to farmers. Beyond lifting the current ban, we will urge the govt to formulate a consistent policy regarding imports and exports to avoid such volatility in future,” Patil added.