The expanding role of India’s sugar industry in sustainable agriculture and clean energy took centre stage at the 9th edition of IndusFood, the country’s flagship agri and food & beverage trade fair. Organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India with the support of the Department of Commerce, Government of India, the event brought together international stakeholders from across the food, agriculture and allied sectors, reported ChiniMandi.
The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) participated in both the exhibition and knowledge sessions, showcasing the sector’s transition from a conventional sugar-producing industry to a more integrated and diversified sugar and bioenergy ecosystem.
One of the key highlights was a parallel session with a high-level delegation from Fiji, led by H. E. Tomasi Tunabuna, Minister of Agriculture and Waterways, and H. E. Charan Jeath Singh, Minister for Multi Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry. Senior officials from the Governments of India and Fiji also attended the session, reinforcing the importance of international cooperation in sugar and agriculture.
In his special address, Deepak Ballani, Director General of ISMA, traced India’s journey from being a traditional sugar producer to emerging as a diversified hub for sugar and bioenergy. He underlined the sector’s contribution to the livelihoods of nearly 55 million farmers and their families, its role in supporting climate action, and its growing importance in enhancing energy security through initiatives such as ethanol blending, bioenergy expansion and circular bioeconomy solutions.
The discussions highlighted the shared intent of India and Fiji to deepen industry-to-industry and government-to-government collaboration, while exploring new partnership opportunities in sugar, agriculture and bioenergy.
Having evolved into a global platform for agri-food trade and policy dialogue, IndusFood once again proved to be an effective forum for such engagements. Past editions of the exhibition have consistently showcased India’s capabilities in sugar, grains, processed foods and sustainable agri-value chains, reinforcing the country’s position as a dependable global partner.
