India Shifts from Sugar Exporter to Massive Importer, Says Congress Leader

Surjewala pointed out that India, once a net exporter of sugar, now has to procure millions of tonnes of raw sugar from abroad, draining foreign‑exchange reserves. He blamed the central government for the policy that links E‑20 petrol and ethanol production to sugar mills, effectively benefiting the mills while inflating domestic sugar prices. The leader also noted that sugar control orders are in force, but merely stating the issue does not lower prices. Delayed payment to farmers for sugarcane has pushed many away from cultivation, cutting domestic sugar output and increasing dependence on imports.