Leading sugar manufacturer EID Parry has become the first company in Asia to achieve the milestone of getting certified by Bonsucro, a global multi-stakeholder organisation for sustainable sugar growth.
The farmers, who serve EID Parry’s 4,500 TCD sugar plant at Pugalur in Tamil Nadu, have undergone 53 different tests over the last 3 years to see that they not only achieved 10-20% more sugarcane yield per acre but also saved power and water substantially through drip irrigation, Simon Usher, chief executive officer, Bonsucro said, after presenting the award to the company here on Thursday.
With global population expect to touch 9 billion in next few years, the existing sugar production across the globe will not meet the consumption pattern and it is high time that per acre cane yield as well higher sugar output through refining on sustainable basis need of the hour. “EID Parry is the first company in Asia to be certified by the global body for sustainable sugar productivity,” Usher said.
Brazil, the largest sugar producing country, saw close to 50% of the mills undergo Bonsucro certification, followed by Australia with 8%. With rising population in India coupled with increasing consumption by multinationals and individuals alike, the Indian sugar producers look at higher percentage yield per acre and Bonsucro will help achieve the same, he added.
Addressing the media, EID Parry managing director V Ramesh said: “It’s a red-letter day in our decades of operations in India. This is the first plant to get certified and all our 9 plants in the country would go for such certification.” With less land more productivity is something great and sustaining over the years with higher productivity is a challenging task before us, he added.
“The Bonsucro comprehensive processes help lakhs of farmers, who supply cane to the company, overcome water scarcity, monsoon vagaries and power consumption. A minimum of 10% more yield equip them with better monetary benefits and enable them sustainable sugar production over the years. As a company, we tend to benefit as globally institutional buyers are increasingly looking for Bonsucro certified sugar supply. This will also help us label at retail level going forward at a little premium per kg price,” he added.