The Government has said that India’s next agricultural revolution will be driven by artificial intelligence (AI). For the sugar sector, AI can be a game changer, right from the cane sowing to managing the supply chain, as it promises to minimise human errors and increase efficiency manifold.
In a conversation with Seema Paroha, Director- National Sugar Institute (NSI-Kanpur), she said that the premier academic and research institution for the sugar and allied industries, can act as a technical advisory body to the government for framing national standards on AI-based testing, quality measurement, and process automation, and lead as a knowledge leader in developing a structured AI roadmap for the Indian sugar industry over the next 5–10 years.
Q. What is the importance of AI and Technology Integration in the Sugar Industry?
A. Artificial Intelligence and advanced digital technologies are becoming essential for the modern sugar industry to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.
In sugar factories, AI can help in the accurate estimation of sugarcane yield, monitoring of cane quality, optimisation of crushing operations, reduction of energy and water consumption, and improvement in recovery rates.
Integration of AI with existing systems such as automation, IoT sensors, laboratory instruments, and ERP platforms enables real-time decision-making and minimises human error. In the present competitive and environmentally sensitive scenario, such integration is required to ensure consistent quality, cost reduction, transparency in procurement, and long-term viability of sugar mills.
Q. What is NSI Kanpur’s role in shaping an AI roadmap?
A. The National Sugar Institute, Kanpur, envisions itself as a knowledge leader in developing a structured AI roadmap for the Indian sugar industry over the next 5–10 years.
NSI can integrate its scientific expertise in sugarcane cultivation, processing, quality control, and ethanol production with modern data analytics and artificial intelligence.
Through focused research, pilot projects, capacity building, and industry collaboration, NSI can develop sector-specific AI models, digital best practices, and technology guidelines that are suitable for Indian sugar factories.
This roadmap will help mills gradually adopt intelligent systems in a systematic and cost-effective manner.
Q. Explain to us how NSI can emerge as a National hub for “AI in sugar” innovation?
A. NSI Kanpur has the potential to emerge as India’s central hub for “AI in Sugar” innovation, similar to ICAR’s leadership in agricultural research.
With its long-standing institutional credibility, strong laboratory infrastructure, and close linkage with sugar mills and farmers, NSI can establish dedicated centres for digital transformation and smart manufacturing in the sugar sector.
By partnering with IITs, IT companies, startups, and international institutions, NSI can promote research, incubation, and commercialisation of AI-based solutions tailored to sugarcane and sugar processing.
Q. What are the standard protocols for AI-based quality assessment?
A. Standardisation is essential for building trust in AI-based quality assessment systems. NSI Kanpur can lead the development of uniform protocols for digital testing of sugarcane maturity, sucrose content, juice purity, brix, pol, and colour.
By validating AI tools against conventional laboratory methods, NSI can ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and regulatory acceptance. These standardised protocols will enable sugar mills across the country to adopt reliable, transparent, and legally acceptable digital quality evaluation systems.
Q. How can sugar mills adopt AI in operations and supply chain management?
A. Sugar mills can adopt AI across the entire value chain, starting from cane procurement to final dispatch.
AI-based forecasting models can help in estimating cane availability, planning harvesting schedules, and optimising transport logistics. During crushing, intelligent control systems can regulate milling pressure, imbibition water, evaporation, and crystallisation parameters to maximise recovery.
In supply chain management, AI can improve inventory control, market forecasting, and distribution efficiency. Such integrated adoption will enhance the operational stability and profitability of sugar factories.
Q. What is NSI’s role in guiding the government on standards and automation?
A. NSI Kanpur can act as a technical advisory body to the government for framing national standards on AI-based testing, quality measurement, and process automation.
Based on its research findings and field experience, NSI can provide evidence-based recommendations for certification systems, accreditation of digital laboratories, and approval of smart instrumentation. This will help policymakers design practical and industry-friendly regulations that encourage innovation while maintaining quality and safety.
Q. What policy interventions are required for mainstreaming AI adoption?
A. To mainstream AI adoption in the sugar sector, supportive policy interventions are required. These include financial incentives for digital modernisation, soft loans for automation projects, tax benefits for technology investments, and funding for pilot demonstrations.
Capacity-building programs for engineers, chemists, and managers should also be strengthened. Furthermore, policies promoting data sharing, cybersecurity, and interoperability of systems will be essential to create a robust digital ecosystem for sugar factories.
Q. Can India develop an AI Readiness Index for sugar mills?
A. NSI Kanpur can take the initiative to develop an “AI Readiness Index” for sugar mills to assess their preparedness for digital transformation. This index may evaluate parameters such as automation level, data infrastructure, manpower skills, cyber safety, and management commitment.
By benchmarking mills on this scale, NSI can help identify gaps, design targeted training programs, and motivate factories to adopt modern technologies. Such an index will also assist policymakers and financial institutions in prioritising support for progressive and future-ready sugar mills.
