India’s Sugar Industry: Surpassing Global Records and Harnessing Pressmud’s Potential

India Overtakes Brazil as Leading Sugar Producer

• India has claimed the top spot in sugar production, surpassing Brazil since the 2021-22 season. This achievement solidifies India’s position not only as the leading producer but also as the second-largest exporter of sugar globally.

Ethanol Biofuel Sector Boosts Sugar Industry

• The growth of the ethanol biofuel sector has significantly contributed to the sugar industry’s financial well-being. This expansion has played a pivotal role in bolstering the sector and improving the overall financial health of sugar mills.

Pressmud: An Important Byproduct

• A crucial byproduct of sugar production, pressmud, also known as filter cake or press cake, emerges during the repeated filtration of cane juice before sugar extraction. Roughly 3-4 percent of pressmud is yielded per tonne of crushed cane.

Utilizing Pressmud’s Potential

• Traditionally, pressmud is recycled as manure through composting and distributed to local farmers. However, its recognition as a resource for green energy has opened up new possibilities. Pressmud can be used to produce biogas through anaerobic digestion, resulting in the creation of compressed biogas (CBG). Rich in micronutrients, it offers benefits for crop cultivation and horticulture.

Challenges Surrounding Pressmud

• Storage complications arise due to pressmud’s gradual decomposition, leading to increased production costs. Moreover, the acknowledgment of its potential has caused a substantial rise in pressmud prices.

Pressmud as CBG Feedstock: Pros and Cons

• Utilizing pressmud simplifies supply chains and reduces complexities linked with agricultural residue. Its consistent quality and lack of lignin lower pre-treatment costs. Moreover, it proves more efficient and economical as a feedstock for CBG production compared to other alternatives. However, rising prices and competition for its use in fertilizers pose economic challenges.

Regional Production and Sugar Mills in India

• Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra play significant roles in India’s sugarcane cultivation, housing the primary sugarcane states. As of 2022-23, the country boasted 531 operational sugar mills, contributing to a total sugar production of 32.74 million tonnes, accompanied by approximately 11.4 million tonnes of pressmud.

Maximizing Potential and Future Strategies

• The available pressmud holds substantial promise in generating CBG and providing considerable economic returns. To capitalize on this potential, states must implement bioenergy policies, regulate pressmud prices, and establish long-term agreements with sugar mills. Additionally, investing in storage technologies for pressmud and training CBG plant operators will be crucial for further advancements.

Sugarcane By-products

• Bagasse: Residue after sugarcane crushing used for biofuel and various manufacturing purposes.
• Molasses: Dark syrup from sugar refining utilized in alcohol production and animal feed.
• Vinasse: Distillery waste from ethanol production used as liquid fertilizer and for biogas.
• Carbon Dioxide: Emitted during fermentation, employed in beverages and greenhouse plant growth.
• Fly Ash: Ash from burning bagasse utilized in construction and agriculture.
• Heat Energy: Thermal energy generated from manufacturing processes for electricity and heating purposes.