No Sugar Shortage in Gujarat, 18 Lakh Quintals in Stock: Govt

Gandhinagar: Gujarat Government spokesperson and Minister Jitubhai Vaghani on Tuesday outlined the state government’s measures to ensure the availability of sugar and fodder amid concerns over supplies.

Vaghani said Gujarat currently has around 18 lakh quintals of sugar stock available with sugar mills in the state.

There are 17 sugar mills operating in Gujarat, with a combined crushing capacity of 73,800 tonnes per day. More than 2 lakh farmers supply sugarcane to these mills every year, resulting in annual sugar production of around 9 lakh metric tonnes, he said.

As the state is currently in the off-season, sugar mills are closed. According to Vaghani, the mills will resume operations and begin production after October 15, which will further increase the availability of sugar in the state.

Clarifying concerns over sugarcane being diverted for ethanol production, Vaghani said that no sugar cooperative society in Gujarat directly produces ethanol from sugarcane. Ethanol is produced from molasses obtained after sugar is produced through the crushing of sugarcane.

He further said that sugar prices outside factories had earlier risen to more than ₹6,500 per quintal, but following government efforts, prices have now fallen below ₹6,000 per quintal.

“The prices of sugar in the market will also be brought under complete control in the near future,” Vaghani said.

16 Lakh Kg Fodder Distributed Across Gujarat

Speaking about fodder availability, Vaghani said the state government is fully committed to protecting livestock and supporting livestock owners in the event of deficient rainfall.

He said fodder has so far been supplied to nearly 90,000 livestock in 301 villages across Gujarat. Around 16 lakh kg of fodder has been distributed, providing relief to livestock owners.

Vaghani said there is no shortage of fodder in the state, and the government has sufficient stocks available to meet requirements.

The Forest Department currently has 361 lakh kg of fodder in reserve, he said, adding that this would ensure that there are no difficulties in the coming period.

All District Collectors have been authorised to take immediate action based on local requirements, Vaghani said.

To reduce the financial burden on livestock owners, fodder is being made available at a concessional rate of ₹2 per kg.

“The State Government stands firmly with livestock owners in every situation, and all appropriate measures will continue to be taken as required,” Vaghani said. DeshGujarat