India’s sugar sector has grown into a Rs 1.3 lakh crore annual industry, playing a key role in rural development, energy independence, and green fuel production, Union Food minister Pralhad Joshi said on Thursday.Speaking at the ‘Cooperative Sugar Industry Conclave 2025’ and ‘National Efficiency Award Ceremony’, Joshi credited policy reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for transforming the sector.“Under the PM Shri @narendramodi ji’s leadership, India’s sugar sector has grown into a Rs 1.3 lakh crore industry (annually), driving rural prosperity, energy security and green power through reforms like record ethanol blending and Atmanirbharta in fuel,” Joshi said in a post on social media.He added that it was inspiring to see the sector’s evolution shaping a sustainable, self-reliant future for the country, PTI reported.The conclave was organised by the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited, which was established in 1960 to support a vibrant cooperative sugar ecosystem. All cooperative sugar factories and state cooperative sugar federations across India are members of the federation.A senior official noted that India’s ethanol production capacity has expanded more than fourfold in the past 11 years to 1,810 crore litres annually. Ethanol blending in petrol has also climbed from 1.53% in 2013 to around 19% now, resulting in foreign exchange savings exceeding Rs 1.10 lakh crore and boosting returns for sugarcane and foodgrain farmers.