Context

• The International Sugar Organization (ISO), the apex international body on sugar and related products, in its 63rd Council meeting announced the appointment of India as the President of the organisation for the year 2024.
• The headquarters of this organisation is in London.
• About 90 countries are members of this organisation.

 Key Points

• It is noteworthy that India has been the largest consumer and second largest producer of sugar in the world.
• With about 15 per cent share in global sugar consumption and about 20 percent of sugar production, Indian sugar trends greatly influence global markets.
• This leading position makes India the most suitable nation to lead the International Sugar Organization (ISO).
• Additionally, India has shown its commitment to green energy and its ability to transform the challenges of surplus sugar in the domestic market into a solution to fossil fuel imports and has offered it as a tool to meet COP 26 goals.
• It is notable that the ethanol blending percentage in India has increased from 5 per cent in 2019-20 to 12 per cent in 2022-23, while production has increased from 173 crore liters to over 500 crore liters during the same period.
• Also on the technical side, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur has expanded its reach and is collaborating with many countries including Indonesia, Nigeria, Egypt, Fiji etc. to share the latest technologies and best practices in this field.

 India's target

• India's emphasis during the period of its Presidency of ISO in the year 2024 is to seek support and cooperation from all Member States as well as to adopt more sustainable practices in sugarcane cultivation, sugar and ethanol production and better utilisation of by-products.

 IMPORTANT FACTS FOR EXAMS - 

• Top Sugarcane Producing States in India – Uttar Pradesh > Maharashtra > Karnataka.
• India's leading sugar organisation - Indian Sugar Mills Association.

Geographical conditions for the growth of sugarcane -

• Temperature: Between 21-27 °C with hot and humid climate.
• Rainfall: About 75-100 cm.
• Soil Type: Deep loamy soil.