Sugar sector milestone: Industry hits Rs 1.3 lakh crore mark; Union minister Pralhad Joshi says growth fuels rural prosperity & energy security

Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi announced India’s sugar sector has expanded into a Rs 1.3 lakh crore annual industry, crediting policy reforms for driving rural development, energy independence, and green fuel production. Ethanol production capacity has increased more than fourfold in 11 years, reaching 1,810 crore litres annually. Ethanol blending in petrol has risen from 1.