New Delhi, Nov. 11 -- The government has approved the export of 1.5 million tonnes (MT) of sugar for the 2025-26 sugar season, which began in October.

The decision, aimed at managing surplus stocks and supporting sugarcane farmers, was conveyed by Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi in a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

As part of the move, the Centre has also withdrawn the 50 percent export duty on molasses, enabling sugar mills to tap into global markets and improve liquidity.

The current export allocation, however, is lower than the 2 MT requested by Indian Sugar & Bio Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA). During the previous 2024-25 season, India exported around 0.8 MT of sugar against an approved quota of 1 MT.

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