Availability of Sugar
Based on the first advance estimates of sugarcane production released by the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation in September, 2011, production of sugar is provisionally estimated at about 246 lakh tons as against the provisionally estimated demand of 220 lakh tons during the current sugar season 2011-12. The carry over stock of last sugar season 2010- 11 is provisionally estimated at about 54.81 lakh tons.
Taking into account the opening stock, likely sugar production and domestic demand, the Government has allowed export of sugar upto 10 lakh tons during sugar season 2011-12 under Open General License (OGL). Currently, import of raw and white / refined sugar is fully exempted from customs duty till 31.03.2012. Presently, there is no proposal under consideration to impose customs duty on sugar.
This information was given by the Minister of State (independent charge) for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Prof. K.V. Thomas in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
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SB/SR