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By:

Rajendra Joshi

3 December 2024 at 9:20:26 am

Centre pushes for early sugarcane crushing

Mills seek special subsidy Kolhapur: Despite an estimated 30-40 lakh tonnes of sugar being available in excess of domestic demand, the Centre is stepping up efforts to keep sugar prices under control. The Union Food Ministry has urged Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka to advance the 2026-27 sugarcane crushing season so that fresh sugar reaches the market before the existing stock is exhausted. Sugar mills, however, say an early start will come at a cost. They are seeking special...

Centre pushes for early sugarcane crushing

Mills seek special subsidy Kolhapur: Despite an estimated 30-40 lakh tonnes of sugar being available in excess of domestic demand, the Centre is stepping up efforts to keep sugar prices under control. The Union Food Ministry has urged Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka to advance the 2026-27 sugarcane crushing season so that fresh sugar reaches the market before the existing stock is exhausted. Sugar mills, however, say an early start will come at a cost. They are seeking special financial assistance to compensate for the likely fall in sugar recovery and the reduction in cane weight that could result from crushing in October. India produced around 280 lakh tonnes of sugar last season. The season began with stocks of nearly 50 lakh tonnes, while annual domestic consumption is estimated at around 280 lakh tonnes. With about 35 lakh tonnes expected to remain in stock by September 30, the Centre wants the new season’s production to start flowing into the market without waiting for the traditional crushing cycle. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka account for nearly 80 per cent of India’s sugar production. The Union Food Ministry has therefore written to the chief ministers of the three states, asking them to bring forward the start of the 2026-27 crushing season. The push comes against the backdrop of a sharp movement in sugar prices. Ex-mill prices had earlier climbed to around Rs 68 per kg, pushing retail prices close to Rs 80 per kg. Following a series of measures by the Centre, ex-mill prices have since declined to around Rs 41 per kg. Yet, the government is looking at further measures to bring prices down and ensure that stocks move into the market. One such measure has been the approval of imports of one million tonnes of raw sugar. Since initial applications covered only around eight lakh tonnes, the Centre has invited applications for the remaining quota. It has also reduced the permissible stockholding limit for traders from 400 tonnes to 200 tonnes. The next major point of discussion will be the meeting convened by Union Food and Public Distribution Secretary Sanjeev Chopra with the sugar industry in New Delhi on September 8. The secretaries of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka have also been invited. West Indian Sugar Mills Association (WISMA) president B. B. Thombre said the Centre was pushing for crushing to begin around the middle of October. Traditionally, most mills in Maharashtra begin operations around November 15, largely because sugarcane harvesting labour becomes available only after Diwali. The industry is, however, willing to explore an early start between October 20 and 25. But early crushing could have significant implications. According to Thombre, sugar recovery could fall by around 1.5 percentage points, while the weight of sugarcane supplied by farmers could decline by 10-15 per cent. The industry will therefore seek special assistance for cane crushed between October 15 and November 15. At the September 8 meeting, it plans to demand a subsidy of Rs 500 per tonne for sugar mills and Rs 300 per tonne directly for sugarcane farmers.

BMC to launch AI in real estate sector

AI generated image
AI generated image

Mumbai: In a move aimed at modernizing urban governance and facilitating faster project clearances, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to launch an advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-driven facility dedicated to the city’s real estate sector.


“The introduction of this AI-led facility marks a significant step towards streamlining processes and enhancing transparency in Mumbai’s real estate ecosystem. By leveraging technology, we aim to reduce approval timelines and improve overall efficiency for stakeholders,” BMC Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide said while speaking at the Change of Guard ceremony of NAREDCO Maharashtra on Thursday.


Bhide said, “The introduction of this AI-led facility marks a significant step towards streamlining processes and enhancing transparency in Mumbai’s real estate ecosystem. By leveraging technology, we aim to reduce approval timelines and improve overall efficiency for stakeholders.”


Stating that the proposed facility would integrate multiple civic approval systems into a unified digital platform, enabling developers, architects and consultants to submit and track applications in real time, Bhide said, “By deploying AI tools for document verification, compliance checks and predictive analysis, the BMC aims to drastically cut down approval timelines, which have traditionally been a challenge for the sector.”


“The system would also bring greater transparency and accountability by reducing human interface and standardising procedures. The platform is expected to flag discrepancies, ensure adherence to development control regulations, and provide actionable insights to both applicants and civic authorities. The initiative aligns with Mumbai’s broader vision of becoming a technologically advanced and investor-friendly city. With real estate being a critical driver of economic growth and urban development, the AI-led facility is anticipated to boost investor confidence and accelerate project execution,” she added.


Speaking on the occasion, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawade said, “Mumbai is steadily transforming into a model city for ease - of -doing - business in real estate. Today, construction proposal approvals are streamlined within 45 days, driven by transparency and end-to-end digitization. This not only accelerates development; but also builds trust among stakeholders. We are committed to inclusive urban growth prioritizing women’s safety and encouraging developers to actively participate in creating essential infrastructure such as dedicated women’s sanitation facilities. Our vision is clear to get faster processes, safer spaces, and a more accountable system for all.”


The BMC is currently in the final stages of preparing the infrastructure and is expected to roll out the facility in phases. Training sessions and on-boarding support will also be provided to ensure smooth adoption by users. Once operational, the AI-enabled system is poised to redefine the way real estate approvals are managed in Mumbai, setting a benchmark for other urban local bodies across the country.


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