Reaction from the field
The Chaudhary Devi Lal Cooperative Sugar Mill in Haryana is poised to make a significant impact on the global market as it prepares to export approximately 16,500 quintals of sugar to African countries during the 2025–26 crushing season. This move not only underscores the mill’s ambition but also highlights the increasing demand for high-quality sugar produced in Haryana, which is gaining recognition in international markets.
During the 2025–26 season, the mill crushed an impressive 22.08 lakh quintals of sugarcane, resulting in a production of about 1.86 lakh quintals of sugar. This robust output is a testament to the mill’s operational efficiency and the quality of sugarcane cultivated in the region. The Haryana government has supported this initiative, allowing the mill to tap into export opportunities that could reshape its economic landscape.
Officials from the mill expressed optimism about entering the global market, stating, “Entering the global market is likely to open up further export opportunities in the future.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend among cooperative mills in Haryana, which are now looking beyond domestic sales to enhance their profitability and sustainability.
In addition to the sugar earmarked for export, the mill has plans for its remaining stock. Approximately 47,000 quintals of sugar will be sold in the domestic market, where prices range from Rs 3,900 to Rs 4,000 per quintal. This dual strategy of exporting while maintaining a strong presence in local markets is designed to maximize revenue and ensure that the mill remains competitive.
The mill has also achieved remarkable success in the sale of bagasse, a byproduct of sugar production. It recorded the highest price among cooperative mills in the state, selling around 10,000 quintals at Rs 316 per quintal. This additional revenue stream is crucial for the mill’s financial health, further enabling it to invest in quality improvements and expansion.
As the mill gears up for its export endeavors, tenders for sugar exports are expected to be issued soon by the sugar federation. This proactive approach indicates a well-organized strategy to penetrate the global market effectively. The mill’s target price for sugar exports is set at around Rs 4,000 per quintal, positioning it competitively against other international suppliers.
However, the backdrop of the ongoing war in Iran poses a significant threat to the global economy, with experts warning that “no country will be immune” if the conflict continues. This geopolitical instability could impact global trade dynamics, including the sugar market. As such, while the Chaudhary Devi Lal Cooperative Sugar Mill is making strides towards international expansion, uncertainties loom over the broader economic landscape.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how external factors might influence the mill’s export plans, but the commitment to quality and strategic planning suggests that Haryana’s sugar industry is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the global market.
