New Delhi, 18 December 2025: The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, reaffirming its commitment to work closely with the Government of India and all stakeholders to strengthen the long-term sustainability, competitiveness, and growth of India’s sugar and bio-energy sector.
The AGM was graced by Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India and Shri Sanjeev Chopra Ji, Secretary, Department of Food & Public Distribution. Addressing members and stakeholders, ISMA highlighted the need for proactive and continuous engagement with policymakers to address current market challenges while simultaneously preparing the industry for future opportunities driven by energy transition, sustainability, and technological advancement.
Key focus areas for the coming year
Ensuring economic viability of the sugar sector
ISMA will emphasise the recent softening of sugar prices, which are currently below the cost of production and require urgent attention. The Association reiterated the importance of a timely upward revision of the Minimum Selling Price (MSP) to safeguard the financial health of sugar mills, timely payment to farmers, and stopping cane arrears.
Strengthening the ethanol ecosystem
ISMA will highlight the importance of an upward revision of ethanol procurement prices for the 2025-26 Ethanol Supply Year, noting that prices have remained unchanged for three years despite rising costs. The Association also reiterated its commitment to ensuring a level playing field for sugarcane-based ethanol producers, particularly from the private sector, to sustain investments and capacity creation.
