IN India, the sugar industry is the second largest agro-based industry and contributes significantly to the socio-economic development of the nation. Sugar production in the last few years has surpassed domestic requirement, continuously producing surplus since 2009-10 (except in 2016-17, when production fell due to drought in the West and South). The record production has been largely attributed to better cane yields and sugar recoveries. And yet, the industry is facing its biggest challenge.

"While sugar consumed in moderation is part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle, there is a lot of misinformation floating around," argues Abinash Verma, director general, the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA). He is referring to the recent attack on the sweetener, with India's health conscious calling it agent death, and nutritionists openly supporting, instead, the use of natural sweeteners like jaggery and honey.