Lucknow: The second day of CII AgroTech India – Krishi Bharat 2024 hosted the 10th edition of CII SugarTech 2024, a marquee conference dedicated to advancing the sugar sector. Organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the event brought together global and national industry leaders, policymakers, and technology innovators. It served as a platform for exhibitors to showcase cutting-edge advancements while fostering dialogue and collaboration to address key challenges in sugarcane cultivation and its allied industries.
Kumar Vineet, IAS, Managing Director, UP Cooperative Sugar Factories Federation Limited, underscored the importance of innovation and collaboration, sharing, “I am grateful to CII for this platform to connect with key stakeholders in the agriculture sector. As part of the Amrit Kaal vision of 2047, our focus should be on making Uttar Pradesh a $1 trillion economy by sharing best practices and IT technologies among farmers, while also emphasizing ecological conservation. The knowledge of new technologies is crucial, and consultative efforts are needed to ensure all stakeholders—farmers, scientists, and industry—work together for impactful adoption. Let’s harness innovation for sustainable agriculture and drive meaningful change.”
Roshan Lal Tamak, Conference Chairman and Executive Director & CEO, DCM Shriram Ltd, discussed the evolving role of the sugar industry. “The sugar industry plays a key role in Uttar Pradesh, not only in sugar production but also in ethanol, biogas, and more. The UP-State Bio Energy Policy aims to boost the potential of our sugar farmers, driving growth and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
He further shared, “CII AgroTech India – Krishi Bharat 2024 is a vital platform bringing together policymakers, tech innovators, and farmers to tackle challenges and share solutions for a sustainable future. With the rapid changes in sustainability, climate, and technology, it’s crucial to adapt and build resilience.”
Highlighting the need for resource optimization in agriculture, Dr R G Agarwal, Chairman Emeritus, Dhanuka Agritech Ltd said, “Balanced fertilization is key to our future. Achieving a Viksit Bharat starts with securing food for all. By using resources wisely and sustainably in agriculture, we empower our farmers to become more self-sufficient and independent.”
Vivek Verma, Managing Director, Spray Engineering Devices Ltd, emphasized the integration of technology and sustainability in his address and said, “Integrating agriculture engineering and sugar technology is crucial for a transformative future. By combining hydrogen economy, IT, and sustainable practices, we can unlock the full potential of resources like biomass and sugarcane. The next decade will be defined by cooperation, maximizing every opportunity for a sustainable agricultural revolution.”
The conference delved into critical themes, including enhancing productivity and sustainability practices in sugarcane cultivation, unlocking the bioenergy potential of the sugar sector, optimizing sugarcane farming through advanced AgTech integration, and exploring diversification strategies in SugarTech to ensure long-term growth and resilience in the industry.
The 10th edition concluded on a high note, emphasizing the need for collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, farmers, and technology innovators to drive sustainable growth in the sugar sector. It underscored the importance of adopting advanced technologies, promoting bioenergy, and diversifying sugarcane-based industries to meet future challenges. As part of CII AgroTech India – Krishi Bharat 2024, the event reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for transformative change, fostering meaningful dialogue and actionable insights for a resilient agricultural ecosystem.
CII AgroTech India – Krishi Bharat 2024 is India’s premier platform for showcasing agricultural advancements, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable practices. The event facilitates partnerships and investments, aligning with India’s vision for a resilient and future-ready agricultural ecosystem. The event is being held till 18 November 2024 at Vrindavan Yojana Grounds, Lucknow.