Abstract: India is the second-largest producer of sugarcane in the world, contributing significantly to global sugar production (FAO, 2023). The country has immense potential for exporting sugarcane and its byproducts, such as raw sugar, refined sugar, ethanol, and molasses (ICAR, 2023). However, despite its strong production base, India’s sugar exports are influenced by fluctuating global prices, government policies, trade barriers, and environmental factors (USDA, 2023). This review explores the export potential of Indian sugarcane by analysing global demand trends, major importing countries, government support mechanisms, and challenges faced in international trade (OECD-FAO, 2023). The paper highlights India’s export policies, including subsidies, minimum support prices, and ethanol blending programs, which impact competitiveness in global markets (NITI Aayog, 2023). Furthermore, it examines sustainability challenges such as water-intensive cultivation, soil degradation, and climate change, which could affect long-term export growth (ICAR-SBI, 2023). The review also discusses trade agreements and tariff policies that determine India’s market access (WTO, 2023). Through a detailed analysis, this paper identifies key strategies for enhancing India’s position as a global sugarcane exporter, including technological advancements, diversification of sugarcane-based products, and international collaborations (RBI, 2023). The study concludes that with appropriate policy reforms, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable agricultural practices, India can strengthen its sugarcane export potential and contribute significantly to the global sugar industry (FAOSTAT, 2023).
Keywords: Sugarcane export, India, trade policies, global sugar market, sustainability, ethanol, trade barriers
Author: Varun Singh, Ajay Bishnoi and Kshitij Parmar
doi: https://doie.org/10.10346/AE.2025280166
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