India has been appointed as the Chair of the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) for 2024.

An important milestone for India will occur in 2024 when it becomes the chairman of the International Sugar Organization (ISO). Being the biggest consumer and second-largest producer of sugar worldwide, India's rising prominence in the sugar industry is evident in this leadership position. The declaration was made at the ISO's 63rd council meeting, which was held in London.
This follows India getting elected as Vice Chair during 2022-23 and then it will take over the annual rotating Chair of the ISO for the period 2024-2025. The ISO is an intergovernmental body headquartered in London that regulates 85% of the global sugar trade via an International Sugar Agreement signed by its members. As per India's Ministry of Commerce & Industry, chairing the ISO will provide India a leadership role in the international sugar trade policy & discussions. It enables India to guide ISO's work programs and to drive regulatory policies in sugar trade around the world. India is the 2nd largest sugar producer & consumer globally after Brazil. India will now have greater influence on steering international sugar prices and on negotiating export policy frameworks that benefit Indian sugar industry stakeholders.

Impact of Indian Sugar Trends Worldwide:

India is a major player with a significant influence on international markets due to its significant 15% global share in sugar consumption and 20% global share in sugar production. India is the market leader in the sugar industry in the eastern hemisphere, while Brazil leads the sugar market in the western hemisphere. India is the best country to lead the ISO, the premier international organization with about 90 members, because of its advantageous geographic location.

Sugar production levels in India over the past few years:

·    In 2022-23, India's total sugar production is estimated to be almost 35.5 million tonnes, according to projections from industry bodies like the ISMA (Indian Sugar Mills Association).

·    Sugar production in 2021-22 stood at around 35.8 million tonnes. So the 2022-23 projection is slightly lower due to expected drop in yields in key sugarcane growing states like Maharashtra.

·   In 2020-21, total sugar output reached 31 million tonnes. This lower production of around 4 million tonnes vs the 35+ million tonnes levels seen in past couple years was largely attributed to the impact of COVID-related lockdowns.

·   During 2019-20, a record production level was witnessed when output touched almost 27.4 million tonnes, driven by higher cane acreage and yields across states.

Over the past 5 years between 2018-2023, India's average annual sugar production comes to around 32-33 million tonnes. But this can fluctuate notably depending on cane harvests, monsoon rainfalls, diversion for ethanol production etc.

Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka are the top 3 sugar producing states in India respectively.

India's annual domestic sugar output in the 2018-2023 period has ranged between 27 million to 36 million tonnes based on crop yields and other factors. Self-sufficiency and managing surplus stocks remain key focus areas.