Govt may lift total ban in 15-20 days

Government may lift the total ban on sugar exports in 15-20 days, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said today.

"We will assess total sugar production as well as the stock levels, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, before taking a decision (on the ban)," Pawar said on the sidelines of the general council meeting of the National Cooperative Development Corp.

"It may take 15-20 days," he said. Pawar said government will notify partial lifting of the sugar export ban in 1-2 days. The Cabinet had Monday approved partial lifting of the ban on sugar exports against advance licences.