India to import 3 mn tonnes of raw sugar in 2008-09

India is expected to import about three million tonnes of raw sugar in 2008-09 season in order to augment the domestic availability of the sweetener, a top industry official said today.      

Indian Sugar Mills Association President Samir Somaiya said the sugar production in 2008-09 season is estimated to fall to 14.7-14.8 million tonnes against 26.4 million tonnes in the previous year. The season runs from October to September.      

On imports, Somaiya said the mills have so far contracted 1.5-2 million tonnes of raw sugar, of which close to one million tonnes have already landed at the Indian ports.      

The raw sugar imports could reach to about three million tonnes in 2008-09 season this year, he said on the sidelines of a function here.      

In order to augment the domestic availability of sugar, the Centre had allowed mills in February to import duty-free raw sugar, with export obligation, till September. But, earlier this month, it allowed mills to import duty-free raw sugar without export obligation till August 1.      

On sugar output projection for next year, Somaiya said that production will be higher in the next season, but would be lower than the 2007-08 season.      

The ISMA President noted that sugarcane sowing has been better this year as farmers have realised good price and felt that production would be better if there is a good monsoon.