Pawar urges sugar industry to step up exports

Pune, Dec 24 (UNI) Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today urged the sugar industry to take advantage of government policies and enhance export of sugar in view of its record production this year.

Speaking at a function at the Vasantdada Sugar Institute, Pawar said this year's preliminary reports suggested a record sugar production of about 270 lakh metric tonne.

He said the industry must take full benefit of reduced subsidies in Europe and export sugar to countries there as prices were high presently. With the added advantage of Union government lifting the ban on sugar exports, he said at least 10 lakh metric tonne of sugar could be exported.

The minister reiterated his earlier announcement of forming a committee of six Chief Ministers, including Punjab and Maharashtra, to study and make recommendations for the growth of agriculture.

He said agricultural sector would be given a priority while formulating the 11th Five Year Plan. He, however, refrained from making any announcements in view of elections to local bodies and enforcement of code of conduct.

UNI DWN KU/OBB VKG SI RK2210