India is experiencing a sugar shortage and prices are steadily rising. Meanwhile, the government has swung into action. Union Minister Prahlad Joshi said on Sunday that the central government is taking several steps to address concerns about sugar availability and rising prices ahead of the festive season. 

What Joshi said:
According to media reports, Joshi said that sugar production has declined due to red rot (a disease affecting sugarcane crops) and El Niño conditions. This has led to a decline in overall agricultural production, including sugar, not only in India but worldwide. The Union Minister stated that the government is concerned about this and has taken several immediate steps. 

Sugar will come from Brazil.
Meanwhile, the head of NFCSF, an organization of cooperative sugar mills, said that some consignments of sugar coming to India may reach the country before October 15. However, it is difficult to estimate its exact quantity right now. At the same time, due to the government's strictness against hoarding, the prices have started to come down a bit. NFCSF President Prakash Naiknavare said on Sunday that at present, Brazil is the only viable source for imports, because the traditional supplier Thailand itself is facing shortage of sugar. The supply will reach states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh first.

PC -Jansatta