Reaction from the field
The Chaudhary Devi Lal Cooperative Sugar Mill in Haryana, India, is poised to make a significant impact on the global market by exporting sugar to African countries during the 2025–26 crushing season. This move not only highlights the mill’s ambitions but also reflects the growing demand for high-quality sugar produced in Haryana, which is increasingly sought after in international markets.
As part of this initiative, the mill has been granted permission to export approximately 16,500 quintals of sugar. This export quota is part of a larger allocation of 1.93 lakh quintals designated for ten cooperative sugar mills across Haryana. The decision to enter the global market is expected to open up further export opportunities in the future, according to officials.
During the 2025–26 season, the Chaudhary Devi Lal Cooperative Sugar Mill crushed 22.08 lakh quintals of sugarcane, resulting in a production of about 1.86 lakh quintals of sugar. The remaining stock will be strategically distributed, with part of it being exported and the rest sold in domestic markets. This careful planning underscores the mill’s commitment to maximizing its output while meeting both local and international demand.
The sugar produced in Haryana is recognized for its superior quality, which has contributed to its increasing popularity in the global market. The mill’s target price for sugar exports is set at around Rs 4,000 per quintal, which is competitive given the current market dynamics. In addition, the mill has achieved notable success in the sale of bagasse, selling around 10,000 quintals at a price of Rs 316 per quintal, the highest among cooperative mills in the state.
As the mill prepares for its foray into international trade, tenders for export are expected to be issued soon by the sugar federation. This step is crucial for facilitating the logistics and ensuring that the sugar reaches its intended markets in Africa. The proactive measures taken by the mill and the Haryana government indicate a strong push towards enhancing the state’s agricultural exports.
However, the global economic landscape remains uncertain. The ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly the war in Iran, pose significant threats to the global economy. Experts have warned that such conflicts could lead to widespread economic repercussions, affecting supply chains and market stability. Fatih Birol, an energy expert, noted that the war is a “major, major threat” to the global economy, suggesting that no country will be immune if the situation escalates further.
As the Chaudhary Devi Lal Cooperative Sugar Mill embarks on this new chapter, the interplay between local production capabilities and global market demands will be crucial. The mill’s success in exporting sugar could serve as a model for other agricultural producers in India, potentially transforming the landscape of agricultural exports.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact of external factors on the global market and how they may affect the mill’s operations. Nevertheless, the developments in Haryana’s sugar industry are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of local producers in an increasingly interconnected world.
