Speaking to ChiniMandi, Prakash Naiknavare, Managing Director, The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Federation (NFCSF), said that India’s sugar consumption has fallen in the past seven years.
He said the constant hammering of negative messaging on sugar should be countered by scientifically backed data and reports on sugar, so that consumers are not misled by vested interests.
Q. Has India’s per-capita sugar consumption slowed down?
A. Yes, India’s per capita sugar consumption has come down steadily on a year-on-year basis from 4.1% in 2018 to 2.1% in the current year.
Q. How has health awareness altered sugar intake patterns?
A. There is a constant message hammering on social media on health concerns regarding sugar consumption. In this ‘slim-trim-gym era’, an anti-sugar campaign has been launched by some self-declared ‘sugar free’ lobby. All this is showing an impact on young consumers to cut down sugar intake.
Q. Are regional consumption trends diverging across the North, West, East and South India
A. Not really. I think the sugar consumption trend that we are witnessing now is evenly spread across the country. There are no aberrations.
Q. What initiatives should be taken at the mill and government level to increase sugar consumption in India?
A. There is a need to have a systematic campaign on sugar and against its health myths, backed by scientific data/reports. The anti-sugar messages on social media that we see are not scientific and are not backed by doctors. This can cause permanent damage to consumers. Sugar is an important nutrient, but in moderation. We need a sustained campaign.
Q. What is the expected sugar consumption in India in the current season?
The sugar consumption in the current season is estimated at 285-290 LMT.
