The 9th edition of IndusFood, India’s flagship agri and food & beverage trade fair, highlighted the sugar industry’s expanding role in sustainable agriculture and clean energy. Organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India, the event brought together international stakeholders from the food, agriculture, and allied sectors. The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) participated in the exhibition and knowledge sessions, showcasing the sector’s transition from a conventional sugar-producing industry to a more integrated and diversified sugar and bioenergy ecosystem.
A key highlight of the event was a parallel session with a high-level delegation from Fiji, led by Minister of Agriculture and Waterways Tomasi Tunabuna and Minister for Multi Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh. The session emphasized the importance of international cooperation in sugar and agriculture, with senior officials from the governments of India and Fiji in attendance. Deepak Ballani, Director General of ISMA, spoke about India’s journey from being a traditional sugar producer to emerging as a diversified hub for sugar and bioenergy. He highlighted the sector’s contribution to the livelihoods of nearly 55 million farmers and their families, as well as its role in supporting climate action and enhancing energy security.
The discussions between India and Fiji focused on deepening industry-to-industry and government-to-government collaboration, while exploring new partnership opportunities in sugar, agriculture, and bioenergy. IndusFood has evolved into a global platform for agri-food trade and policy dialogue, providing an effective forum for such engagements. The exhibition has consistently showcased India’s capabilities in sugar, grains, processed foods, and sustainable agri-value chains, reinforcing the country’s position as a dependable global partner.
The event underscored the significance of the sugar industry in India’s economy, with its contribution to the livelihoods of millions of farmers and its growing importance in the country’s energy security. The sector’s transition towards a more integrated and diversified sugar and bioenergy ecosystem is expected to play a crucial role in supporting climate action and enhancing energy security. With its expertise in sugar production, India is poised to become a key player in the global bioenergy market, and events like IndusFood provide a platform for the country to showcase its capabilities and explore new opportunities for collaboration and partnership.