Malviya’s Response: Malviya called the premise that E20 is responsible for the sugar shortage “flawed,” noting that India imported sugar even before E20 existed — including 75.25 lakh tonnes between 2009-10 and 2013-14 under UPA-II, with 41.8 lakh tonnes in 2009-10 alone. He added that not all imports go toward domestic consumption, as some raw sugar is imported for processing and mandatory re-export. He also pointed out that India exported around 110 lakh tonnes of sugar in 2021-22, showing that the sugar economy moves in cycles of surplus and deficit. Ethanol, he said, serves as an additional market that reduces stock pressure in surplus years, strengthens mills’ financial health, and helps clear farmers’ cane dues — with farmers’ FRP rising nearly 74 per cent, from Rs 210 in 2013-14 to Rs 365 per quintal in 2026-27. On the question of “Self-Reliant India,” Malviya said self-reliance means ensuring timely availability, not restricting imports and letting prices rise during a supply crunch.
