Sugar consumption to cross 29,000 tonne in 5 years: Study

NEW DELHI: Sugar consumption in India is likely to cross 29,000 tonnes in about 5 years on account of growing urbanisation and changing food habits, says a study.

"With a share of over 15 per cent in global sugar consumption of about 1,68,734 tonnes, India has emerged as the biggest consumer of sugar in the world," industry chamber Assocham said its study.

The country's sugar consumption is growing at a compounded annual growth rate ( CAGR) of about 2 per cent and is likely to reach 29,353 tonnes by 2019-20 from the current level of about 26,000 tonnes, it said.

The increase in sugar consumption is happening on account of growing urbanisation and higher use in food processing sector, it said.

The study has suggested that there is a need to increase the area under cane as well as productivity through higher yields.