Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized the significant economic benefits of adopting a new sugarcane variety with a 14% sugar recovery rate, suggesting it could enhance Maharashtra’s economic output by Rs. 25,000 crore.
Speaking at the silver jubilee celebration of the Saturday Club Global Trust in Nagpur, Gadkari said, “Brazil has developed a sugarcane breed through biotechnology that offers a 14 per cent sugar recovery. If we use a similar variety in Maharashtra, it could positively impact our state’s economy by Rs 25,000 crore.”
He noted that Kolhapur district currently leads Maharashtra in sugar recovery rates, averaging between 12 and 12.5%, while the Vidarbha region lags at around 11.25%. “A 1% increase in sugar recovery can lead to gains of Rs 7 to Rs 8 crore,” he said, underlining the potential of improved crop breeds.
Gadkari also mentioned that he had shared detailed information about the high-yield variety with the Vasantdada Sugar Institute and requested the development of a version suited to local conditions.
“Success comes to those who understand demand and supply. If you can identify scarcity and produce accordingly, profitability follows,” he said.
During his address, Gadkari also discussed entrepreneurship, stressing the importance of understanding market forces. He underlined that honesty and credibility are key to long-term success in business.
Addressing India’s progress in alternative energy sources, Gadkari acknowledged that although petrol and diesel remain global standards, India is embracing CNG, LNG, ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, and hydrogen-based fuels.
“My own vehicle runs on a flex-fuel engine using 40% ethanol mixed with petrol. While petrol costs Rs 120 per litre, ethanol is just Rs 60. Flex engines significantly cut transport costs,” he noted.
