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Sugar News - 29 Sep 2024

Sugar News - 29 Sep 2024
Americas

Argentina - Convoy Delivers 7,630 Tons Of Raw Sugar To Paysandú Port
Argentina - Argentina'S Sugar Exports: $250 Million, 14,900 Tons To Us
Brazil - Alagoas Targets 20 Million Tons Cane For 2024/25 Harvest
Brazil - Hedgepoint Cuts Brazil'S Sugarcane Production Estimate To 610 Mt
Colombia - 1,300 Fires In Valle Del Cauca Threaten 286,000 Families
Mexico - Government Considers Sugar Prices Increase Amid $2 Million Blockade
United States - Louisiana Sugar Mill Processes Crop In 110 Days; Usda Projects Ample Supplies

Asia

China - Chinese Trade Promotion Association Responds To U.S. Restrictions
India - Maharashtra Sugarcane Crushing Delayed; 2024-25 Estimates Down 172 L
India - Sugar Stocks Surge 8% As Msp Set To Rise To ₹39.14
India - Sugar Export Policy Review Unlikely Before Early 2025
India - India Allocates 5,841 Tonnes Sugar Export To Eu
Indonesia - Ugm And Sgn Launch Sugar Cane Center For 2028 Goals
Indonesia - Heavy Machinery Arrives For 2 Million Hectares Sugarcane Project
Pakistan - Pakistan Approves 100,000 Metric Tons Sugar Export Quota
Thailand - Thailand Sugar Production Expected At 8.80 Million Tons
Thailand - Sugarcane Farmers Urge Action As Global Sugar Prices Hit 13-Year High
Turkey - Turkey'S Sugar Factories Advance 4.4 Billion Lira For 2024
Turkey - Sugar Beet Price Set At 2,375 Lira, Farmers Demand 2,500 Lira
Turkey - Sugar Beet Producers To Receive 540 Lira In 30 Days
Turkey - Türkşeker To Pay 4.4 Billion Tl To Beet Producers
Turkey - 2024 Sugar Beet Prices Set At 800-1,000 Tl Per Decare
Turkey - Sugar Beet Price Up 28% To 2,375 Lira Per Ton
Turkey - 2024 Sugar Beet Price Criticized At 2,375 Tl Per Ton
Turkey - Sugar Beet Procurement Campaigns Target 4 Million Tons Yield
Vietnam - Ttc Agris Net Profit Soars 39% To $30.4 Million

Europe

Denmark - Nordzucker Aims To Cut 37,000 Tons Co2 By 2030
EU - Dgft Announces 5,841 Mt Sugar Export Quota To Eu
France - France Expects 34.38 Million Tons Sugar Beet Harvest In 2024
Germany - Nordzucker Aims For 50% Emission Reduction By 2030
Germany - Germany'S Nordzucker Starts Refining Season Amid Drought Concerns
Germany - Sugar Prices Plummet To €0.89/Kg In Germany Amid Campaign
Italy - Italia Zuccheri Partners With Forno Bonomi For Summer 2024
Poland - Sugar Prices Surge To 4.86 Pln Amid Floods And Record Harvests
Portugal - Sugarcane Producers To Receive €0.50 Per Kilogram In 2024
Russia - Russia'S Sugar Production At 6.1-6.2 Million Tons, Bashkortostan
Ukraine - Vinnytsia Sugar Refineries Process 332,000 Tonnes, 1.7 Million

Africa

Burundi - Sosumo Sugar Price Jumps 120% To 8,000 Bif Per Kilogram
Nigeria - Nigeria Aims For $5 Billion Investment In Sugar By 2025
South Africa - Sasa Outlines Sugarcane Master Plan Progress And Next Steps
Uganda - Busoga Farmers Demand Government Aid As Sugar Prices Plummet 56%

World

World - Global Food Prices Drop, Wheat $206, Sugar Stocks Tight

Oceania

Fiji - Nearly 50% Decline In Cane Cutters' Productivity Since 2009

Americas

Argentina - Convoy Delivers 7,630 Tons Of Raw Sugar To Paysandú Port
A convoy of five barges carrying 7,630 tons of raw sugar from Argentina arrived at Paysandú port for unloading at the Azucarlito refinery. The operation, lasting about 60 hours, is supported by various port services. This marks the second annual operation of raw sugar, with the previous one completed in January 2024. The Liebherr multipurpose crane remains maintained but has not been used recently.(Elentrerios.com)

Argentina - Argentina'S Sugar Exports: $250 Million, 14,900 Tons To Us
Argentina's sugar and bioethanol industry, primarily in Tucumán, Salta, and Jujuy, spans 390,000 hectares. Paramerica SA produces 88,000 tons of organic sugar and has increased bioethanol production by 30%. The sector is projected to generate $250 million in exports in 2023. Additionally, Argentina has met its 100% raw sugar export quota to the U.S., gaining 14,900 extra tons.(Reporte Asia | LA GACETA)

Brazil - Alagoas Targets 20 Million Tons Cane For 2024/25 Harvest
Alagoas aims to process 20 million tons of sugarcane in the 2024/25 harvest, producing over 1.7 million tons of sugar and 470 million liters of ethanol. The harvest lasts seven months, ending in March 2025. With 15 operational plants, Alagoas ranks seventh in ethanol and sixth in sugar production nationally, playing a crucial economic role.(Cada Minuto | Revista RPAnews | Em Tempo Notícias | Alagoas News)

Brazil - Hedgepoint Cuts Brazil'S Sugarcane Production Estimate To 610 Mt
Hedgepoint has lowered Brazil's sugarcane production estimate to 610 million tons, impacted by wildfires on 400,000 hectares. Sugar output is projected at 39.6 million tons, with a deficit of 1.3 million tons expected from Q3 2024 to Q3 2025. In contrast, StoneX forecasts a 3.2% decline in sugarcane milling to 593.2 million tons for 2025/26, with sugar production rising to 40.6 million tons.(Revista Cultivar | Forbes Brasil | Money Times | Notícias Agrícolas)

Colombia - 1,300 Fires In Valle Del Cauca Threaten 286,000 Families
Recent fires in sugarcane fields of Valle del Cauca are allegedly caused by criminal hands, according to Asocaña. Since August 1, around 1,300 fires have occurred, affecting young crops. This situation threatens the economy of 286,000 families dependent on the sugar industry. Asocaña urges the government to ensure safety for workers amid rising violence.(Blu Radio)

Mexico - Government Considers Sugar Prices Increase Amid $2 Million Blockade
The Mexican government is considering raising sugar and ethanol prices. Meanwhile, cane producers blocked sugar truck exits from Ingenio Plan de Ayala due to $2 million in unpaid retention payments. The blockage lasted from 9 AM to before 3 PM, with a payment commitment expected by October 2, after delays from September 19 and 26.(LA NOTA DEL DÍA MÉXICO | Pulso de San Luis)

United States - Louisiana Sugar Mill Processes Crop In 110 Days; Usda Projects Ample Supplies
A Louisiana sugar mill efficiently processes its entire crop in 110 days, showcasing advanced technology and management, according to CEO Josias Messias. Meanwhile, the USDA forecasts ample sugar supplies for 2023 and 2024, ensuring a stable market outlook that will benefit consumers and manufacturers.(JornalCana | Food Business News)

Asia

China - Chinese Trade Promotion Association Responds To U.S. Restrictions
The Chinese Trade Promotion Association responded to U.S. restrictive measures related to China. They emphasized the importance of trade relations and urged for constructive dialogue to resolve tensions.(Investing.com भारत)

India - Maharashtra Sugarcane Crushing Delayed; 2024-25 Estimates Down 172 L
Maharashtra's sugarcane crushing season will begin after November 15, affected by state elections and reduced cane availability. Estimates for 2024-25 are 904 lakh tonnes, down 172 lakh tonnes from last year. Sugar production is expected to decline to 90-102 lakh tonnes, prompting millers to seek financial aid amidst competition with Karnataka's mills.(BusinessLine | LA NOTA DEL DÍA MÉXICO)

India - Sugar Stocks Surge 8% As Msp Set To Rise To ₹39.14
Sugar stocks surged up to 8% following indications from the Indian government about potential hikes in ethanol prices and the minimum selling price (MSP) for sugar, currently at ₹31 per kg. Balarampur Chini led with an 8% increase, while overall sugar production for 2024-25 is projected at 33.31 million tonnes, a 2% decline.(MSN | India Hood | Janta Se Rishta | LA NOTA DEL DÍA MÉXICO | The Vocal News | Share Price India News | Times Now | CNBCTV18 | Share Price India News)

India - Sugar Prices Stabilize After 2.55 Mmt Quota Cut
Domestic sugar prices in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have stabilized after a sharp rise due to a lower October quota of 2.55 MMT, 350 KMT less than last year. Prices range from Rs 3,910 to Rs 3,260 per quintal for M-grade in Muzaffarnagar and Rs 3,585 to Rs 3,650 for S-grade in Kolhapur. Ex-mill prices vary across states, with Maharashtra at ₹3580 to ₹3690 per quintal.(ChiniMandi News)

India - India'S Consul General Visits Iac To Discuss Sugarcane Research
The Indian consul general, Amit Kumar Mishra, visited the IAC in Ribeirão Preto, SP, to learn about Brazilian sugarcane research. He highlighted India's agricultural transformation goals, employing 58% of its workforce and contributing 20% to GDP. Mishra emphasized the need for stronger research collaboration between India and Brazil, particularly in agriculture and technology, to enhance productivity and value.(Revista RPA NEWS)

India - Sugar Stock Targets ₹56 And ₹61 After 10% Surge
Sugar stocks are experiencing significant action, particularly Shree Renuka Sugars, which is trading at ₹53 after a 10% rise. HDFC Securities recommends buying with targets of ₹56 and ₹61 over the next two months. The stock has shown an uptrend, breaking resistance at ₹51, supported by volumes. The company operates eight sugar mills in India.(Zee Business हिंदी)

India - Karnataka Hc Lifts Stay On 20% Jute Packaging For Sugar
The Karnataka High Court lifted a stay on a notification requiring 20% of sugar production to be packaged in jute bags made from Indian jute. This decision overturned a previous single-judge ruling, following an appeal by the central government. The original notification was issued by the Ministry of Textiles on December 26, 2023, and June 28, 2024.(BusinessLine | ETV Bharat | Janta Se Rishta)

India - Tripura Congress Slams Government Over ₹7 Sugar Price Hike
Tripura Congress President Asish Kumar Saha criticized the BJP-led government for offering free sugar, flour, and semolina during the ‘Durga Puja’ festival while increasing sugar prices by ₹7 per kilogram. He claimed this move, which he called a "pocket-cutting" tactic, will burden citizens with an additional ₹8.25 crore annually. Saha demanded an immediate rollback of the price hike.(NorthEast Today)

India - Muzaffarnagar And Bagpat Sugar Mills To Undergo Modernization
Muzaffarnagar and Bagpat sugar mills will undergo modernization, as directed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to departmental officials. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and productivity of these mills.(ASB NEWS INDIA)

India - Icra Projects Agriculture Gva Rise To 3.2% For Fy 2025
ICRA forecasts a rise in agriculture gross value addition (GVA) to 3.2% for FY 2024-25, up from 1.4% in FY 2023-24, due to above-normal monsoon rains. Kharif sowing has increased by 2.2% to 1,096.65 lakh hectares. Reservoir storage rose from 20% to 80% of capacity, enhancing prospects for the upcoming Rabi season.(ChiniMandi News)

India - Sugar Stocks Surge Up To 8% On Msp Hike Hopes
Sugar stocks surged up to 8% on September 27 following Indian Food Minister Pralhad Joshi's comments about potential increases in ethanol prices and a review of the minimum selling price of sugar. Shree Renuka Sugars led gains at 8%, with others like Balrampur Chini rising 6%. The minimum selling price has remained at ₹31 per kg since February 2019.(Mint)

India - Need Policy Changes To Boost Agri Exports, 138 Million Tons Rice Expected
The article emphasizes the need to revise trade policies to boost agricultural exports, particularly by easing restrictions on rice and sugar. With promising Kharif crop prospects, India anticipates a record rice production of 138 million tons this year. The government has announced increased import duties on edible oils to protect soybean farmers amid low prices, while expecting further relaxation on rice export bans.(ETV Bharat)

India - Sugar Export Policy Review Unlikely Before Early 2025
Shree Renuka Sugars' Executive Chairperson Atul Chaturvedi stated that a review of India's sugar export policy is unlikely before early 2025. Union Minister Prahlad Joshi suggested a review for the 2024-25 season, along with potential hikes in ethanol prices and sugar's minimum selling price. Chaturvedi anticipates decisions on two of these matters before the crushing season.(NDTV Profit)

India - India Allocates 5,841 Tonnes Sugar Export To Eu
India has allocated 5,841 metric tonnes of sugar for export to the EU under the Tariff Rate Quota scheme for the 2024-25 year. The export is free but subject to specific conditions, including obtaining a Certificate of Origin from the Additional Director General of Foreign Trade, Mumbai. APEDA will manage the quota implementation.(ChiniMandi News)



Indonesia - Ugm And Sgn Launch Sugar Cane Center For 2028 Goals
Universitas Gadjah Mada and PT Sinergi Gula Nusantara have launched a Sugar Cane Learning Center to boost Indonesia's sugar self-sufficiency by increasing sugarcane productivity from 5 to 8 tons per hectare by 2028. This initiative aims to enhance farmer welfare, potentially increasing their income from Rp13.8 million to Rp49 million per hectare annually, as 65% of sugar comes from smallholders.(Universitas Gadjah Mada | Kanalsatu | Klikku.net)

Indonesia - Heavy Machinery Arrives For 2 Million Hectares Sugarcane Project
Heavy machinery has arrived in Merauke to execute the national strategic program (PSN) for sugarcane plantations aimed at bioethanol production, targeting 2 million hectares. Concerns arise over environmental threats and the destruction of sacred sites vital to local communities. The initiative contradicts local food resources, particularly sago, which spans 5 million hectares in Papua.(Internasional Kontan)

Pakistan - Pakistan Approves 100,000 Metric Tons Sugar Export Quota
Pakistan's federal cabinet approved the export of an additional 100,000 metric tons of sugar, reversing a prior decision. The Economic Coordination Committee previously authorized 250,000 metric tons. Punjab mills received 64,000 metric tons of the quota, with Jahangir Tareen's JDW Sugar Mills securing the highest at 7,189 metric tons. Current sugar prices are Rs139.5 per kilogram.(Profit by Pakistan Today | The Express Tribune | The News International)

Thailand - Thailand Sugar Production Expected At 8.80 Million Tons
In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, Thailand is expected to produce 8.80 million tons of white sugar, according to Pimphatra. This production level reflects the country's ongoing efforts to enhance its sugar output, supporting both domestic consumption and export opportunities.(กรุงเทพธุรกิจ)

Thailand - Sugarcane Farmers Urge Action As Global Sugar Prices Hit 13-Year High
Sugarcane farmers are urging the Bank of Thailand to intervene regarding the strong baht, fearing it will diminish their export earnings. Meanwhile, global sugar prices have surged to a 13-year high, leading analysts to recommend three stocks, including KSL, which has a target price of 2.84 baht.(หนังสือพิมพ์แนวหน้า | ข่าวหุ้นธุรกิจออนไลน์)

Turkey - Turkey'S Sugar Factories Advance 4.4 Billion Lira For 2024
Turkey's sugar factories will pay 4.4 billion lira in advance for sugar beet purchases, to be completed within 30 days. The 2024 purchase price is set at 2,375 lira per ton, a 28% increase from last year's 1,855 lira. This year, around 7.3 million tons are expected to be purchased, down from 9.7 million tons last year.(Haber 7 | Haber Global | Gazete Gerçek)

Turkey - Sugar Beet Price Set At 2,375 Lira, Farmers Demand 2,500 Lira
Sugar beet plays a crucial role in Turkish agriculture and industry, being the fifth largest producer globally. In 2024, the sugar beet purchase price was set at 2,375 lira per ton, a 28% increase from 2023. However, input costs rose by 41.6%, leaving farmers dissatisfied and calling for a minimum price of 2,500 lira to ensure production continuity.(Sivas Ekspres)

Turkey - Sugar Beet Producers To Receive 540 Lira In 30 Days
A cash advance support of 540 lira is provided to sugar beet producers, with a total of 4.4 billion lira planned for this year. Payments are made within 30 days after beet delivery. The 2024 production target is 8.1 million tons, involving 36,109 producers across 1,256 villages. The campaign runs from September 2024 to February 2025, aiming to enhance sector efficiency.(kamuajans.net)

Turkey - Türkşeker To Pay 4.4 Billion Tl To Beet Producers
Türkiye Şeker Fabrikaları (Türkşeker) announced a total advance payment of 4.4 billion TL to sugar beet producers, with purchases starting at a price of 2,375 TL per ton, a 28% increase from last year's 1,855 TL. Payments for beet purchases will be completed within 30 days, and the production campaign will last 114 days, yielding 940,000 tons of sugar.(Timeturk)

Turkey - 2024 Sugar Beet Prices Set At 800-1,000 Tl Per Decare
Konya Ereğli Ziraat Odası announced the 2024 sugar beet harvest price, set between 800 and 1,000 TL per decare. Additionally, the Turkish Sugar Company has established the 2024 purchase price at 2,375 TL per ton, including the quota completion premium. The details aim to inform local farmers about the upcoming harvest season.(BBN Haber)

Turkey - Sugar Beet Price Up 28% To 2,375 Lira Per Ton
Türkşeker has set the 2024 sugar beet purchase price at 2,375 lira per ton, a 28% increase from last year's 1,855 lira. Approximately 7.3 million tons are expected to be purchased this year, down from 9.7 million tons. Total advance payments of 4.4 billion lira will support farmers, with payments completed within 30 days post-delivery.(Ekonomim | Ajans04.net - Agri News | Basvur.co | Finans Gündem | NTV | Gazete Gerçek | Odak Gazetesi | TRT Haber | Türkiye Gazetesi)

Turkey - 2024 Sugar Beet Price Criticized At 2,375 Tl Per Ton
Erkan Er, the İYİ Party Tokat Provincial Chairman, criticized the 2024 sugar beet purchase price of 2,375 TL per ton as inadequate amid rising costs. He called for urgent government action to revise pricing policies, warning that current prices threaten agricultural production and may increase dependency on imports. Sustainable policies are essential for supporting farmers and the agricultural sector.(Kanal 101 | Hürsöz Gazetesi | Tokat Haber)

Turkey - Sugar Beet Procurement Campaigns Target 4 Million Tons Yield
The 2024-2025 sugar beet procurement campaigns are underway at various factories. Konya and Çumra expect 4 million tons yield; Yozgat aims for 390,000 tons, processing 7 million tons nationwide for 950,000 tons of sugar. Erzincan Sukkar plans to purchase 290,000 tons, processing 220,000 tons for 32,000 tons of sugar. Farmers receive 2,375 TL per ton.(Yeni Akit | Haberler | TRT Haber | Ajans Erzincan - Erzincan Son Dakika Haberleri | Erzincan Net)

Vietnam - Ttc Agris Net Profit Soars 39% To $30.4 Million
TTC AgriS, Vietnam's largest sugar producer, reported a net profit of VND747 billion ($30.4 million) for FY 2023-2024, a 39% increase. Revenue reached VND29.02 trillion ($1.18 billion), up 17%. However, the gross profit margin fell to 10.6%, the lowest in five years. The company plans to expand its growing area to 90,000 hectares by 2025.(Theinvestor.vn)

Europe

Denmark - Nordzucker Aims To Cut 37,000 Tons Co2 By 2030
Nordzucker plans to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 37,000 tons by 2030 through the use of biomethane from Danish sugar beet pulp, starting in 2025. This initiative is part of the GoGreen program, which supports the company's goal of achieving CO2 neutrality by 2050, with a broader aim of a 40% emissions reduction using renewable energy.(Proplanta - Das Informationszentrum für die Landwirtschaft | Presseportal.de)

EU - Dgft Announces 5,841 Mt Sugar Export Quota To Eu
The DGFT has announced a sugar export quota of 5,841 metric tons to the EU under the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) for the period of October 2024 to September 2025.(taxscan.in)

France - France Expects 34.38 Million Tons Sugar Beet Harvest In 2024
French farmers are expected to harvest 34.38 million tons of sugar beets in 2024, an 8.4% increase from the previous year, attributed to an expanded cultivation area of 411,000 hectares. In contrast, soft wheat production was revised down to 25.78 million tons, 26.5% lower than last year, while barley production is expected to drop by 18.2% to 10.05 million tons. Corn is projected to rise by 12.1% to 14.14 million tons.(schweizerbauer.ch)

Germany - Nordzucker Aims For 50% Emission Reduction By 2030
Nordzucker aims to halve its factory emissions by 2030 as part of its sustainability commitment, with a goal of achieving CO2 neutrality in production by 2050. The company is developing roadmaps for all its locations under the GoGreen program to reach these climate targets, according to Alexander Godow.(top agrar online)

Germany - Germany'S Nordzucker Starts Refining Season Amid Drought Concerns
Nordzucker, Germany's second-largest sugar producer, announced the start of its refining season in early September. Over 80% of its sugar production capacity has reverted to oil due to gas supply uncertainties from Russia. The company anticipates a lower harvest this year due to drought but expects slightly higher sugar content. Processing is planned to conclude by January 2023.(Revista RPA NEWS)

Germany - Sugar Prices Plummet To €0.89/Kg In Germany Amid Campaign
Sugar prices have significantly decreased, reaching 89 cents per kilogram in Germany, down from €1.49/kg. This decline is attributed to increased beet production and global market trends. Südzucker AG's profits may suffer, as they reported €947 million in 2023/24, while retail prices in Germany also dropped to 83.60 Rappen per kilo, influenced by lower world market prices.(HAZ | topagrar.pl | schweizerbauer.ch)

Italy - Italia Zuccheri Partners With Forno Bonomi For Summer 2024
Italia Zuccheri and Forno Bonomi have announced a partnership starting summer 2024, featuring Italia Zuccheri's logo on Forno Bonomi's Amaretti packaging. This collaboration emphasizes Italian quality, sustainability, and the value of 100% Italian sugar. Both companies aim to enhance consumer trust and celebrate their shared commitment to tradition and excellence in Italian confectionery.(DM - Distribuzione Moderna)

Poland - Sugar Prices Surge To 4.86 Pln Amid Floods And Record Harvests
Sugar prices in Poland have surged to an average of 4.86 PLN per kilogram, driven by global price increases due to drought in Brazil. Recent floods in Silesia have reduced sugar factory capacity to one-third, while record sugar beet harvests of 2.7-2.8 million tons are expected, despite a projected 30% price drop for beets next season.(Telewizja Gorzów | Agronews | Farmer.pl)

Portugal - Sugarcane Producers To Receive €0.50 Per Kilogram In 2024
A regional secretary of agriculture has set the minimum price for sugarcane producers in the 2024 campaign at €0.40 per kilogram. With an additional government support of €0.10 per kilogram, the total payment to producers will be €0.50 per kilogram.(Funchal Notícias)

Russia - Russia'S Sugar Production At 6.1-6.2 Million Tons, Bashkortostan
Russia's sugar production for the 2024/25 season is projected at 6.1-6.2 million tons, down from 6.9 million tons last season. In Bashkortostan, 1 million tons of sugar beets have been harvested with a yield of 438 centners per hectare. The Lipetsk region processes about 800,000 tons annually, with sugar content at 18.58%.(Русская служба The Moscow Times | DairyNews | LipetskNews)

Ukraine - Vinnytsia Sugar Refineries Process 332,000 Tonnes, 1.7 Million
As of September 27, 2024, all five sugar refineries in the Vinnytsia region are operational, processing 332,000 tonnes of raw sugar and producing 41,000 tonnes of sugar. Ukraine's sugar beet harvest totals 1.7 million tonnes, with 13% of the area harvested and an average yield of 397.4 c/ha, down 80 c/ha from last year.(Ukrinform | MENAFN.COM)

Africa

Burundi - Sosumo Sugar Price Jumps 120% To 8,000 Bif Per Kilogram
In mid-September 2024, Sosumo raised the sugar price from 3,200 to 8,000 BIF per kilogram, causing consumer outrage. The president criticized Sosumo’s claims of operating at a loss, suggesting they are misleading. The increase, over 120%, has made sugar unaffordable for many, with local prices reaching 12,000 BIF in some areas. Calls for price regulation are growing.(Iwacu)

Nigeria - Nigeria Aims For $5 Billion Investment In Sugar By 2025
The Nigerian House of Representatives plans to amend the National Sugar Development Council Act to empower the Executive Secretary and promote investment, targeting sugar production self-sufficiency by 2025. The NSDC aims for a $5 billion investment in the sector, addressing a local demand of 2 million metric tons and a projected African deficit of 13 million metric tons by 2030.(The Whistler Newspaper | Tribune Online | New Telegraph Newspaper)

South Africa - Sasa Outlines Sugarcane Master Plan Progress And Next Steps
SASA has outlined progress and future actions regarding the Sugarcane Master Plan, focusing on enhancing the sugarcane industry's sustainability and profitability. The initiative aims to address challenges faced by farmers and improve overall production efficiency, ensuring a robust framework for stakeholders involved in sugarcane farming.(Farmer's Weekly SA)

Uganda - Busoga Farmers Demand Government Aid As Sugar Prices Plummet 56%
Farmers in Busoga, Uganda, are urging government intervention in the declining sugar industry, crucial for their economy. They seek support for value addition, citing production costs for molasses and ethanol. Sugarcane prices fell from 247,000 Shillings to 110,000 Shillings, leading to domestic violence issues. They request to be managed by the Agriculture Ministry for better advocacy.(Independent)

World

World - Global Food Prices Drop, Wheat $206, Sugar Stocks Tight
Global food prices are declining, with the FAO food price index at 120.7 points, down 0.3% monthly and 25% since March 2022. Wheat averages $206 per ton, while sugar rebounded to $489. Despite a projected 1.2 million ton surplus in global sugar stocks for 2023/24, Brazilian production is expected to decline due to wildfires.(News Day FR | Notícias Agrícolas)

Oceania

Fiji - Nearly 50% Decline In Cane Cutters' Productivity Since 2009
There has been a nearly 50% decline in productivity among cane cutters in the sugar industry over the past 15 years, with output per cutter dropping from 233 tons in 2009 to 118 tons in 2021. The Ministry of Sugar Industry has invested $3.5 million in mechanization efforts, including 52 mechanical harvesters, and will continue to support these initiatives in the upcoming budget.(FBC News)