Lucknow: The traditional sugar and sugarcane sector is undergoing massive diversification while moving rapidly beyond commodity sugar production into high-value products, specialised ingredients, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), said Arvind Chudasama, long-standing editor of the Sugar Industry International on Thursday.
Addressing a Sugar Conference
Addressing a sugar conference hosted by the UP Sugar Mills Association (UPSMA), Chudasama highlighted the rapid evolutionary leap of the sugar sector into a cornerstone of the global bio-economy. The conference was attended by a panel of civil sector leaders, industry professionals and scientists.
Global Investment Surge
He said that the worldwide investment in bioeconomy has surged dramatically. Chudasama noted that major world economies are heavily funding bio-manufacturing ecosystems. This shift is expected to create new opportunities for the sugar industry, enabling it to contribute significantly to sustainable development.
The diversification includes producing ethanol, bioplastics, and other bio-based chemicals, alongside traditional sugar. Sustainable Aviation Fuel, derived from sugarcane, is emerging as a key product, offering a greener alternative for the aviation sector.
Experts at the conference emphasised the need for policy support and technological innovation to accelerate this transition. They called for increased collaboration between industry, government, and research institutions to harness the full potential of the bioeconomy.
