Sugar Industry Leader: Mukesh Kumar on advancement of sugar industry and diversion into ethanol production

An interview with Mukesh Kumar, Executive Director of Vishwaraj Sugar Industries, manufacturer of Sugar

In the dynamic world of sugar production, Mukesh Kumar, Executive Director of Vishwaraj Sugar Industries, stands out as a leader committed to innovation and sustainability.

With a wealth of experience in the industry, he has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth and adapting to market challenges.

In this interview, Mukesh shares his insights on the future of the sugar industry and the initiatives that set Vishwaraj apart.

Can you share your journey in the sugar industry and what led you to your current role at Vishwaraj Sugar Industries?

Mukesh Kumar: My career journey began in the petroleum and distillery industries, where I worked after completing my Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Ranchi University.

I had always been interested in industries that involved processes and efficiencies, and the sugar industry presented an exciting opportunity to innovate and improve production processes.

After gaining some experience, I decided to switch to the sugar industry and joined Vishwaraj Sugar Industries (VSIL) in 2003.

I started in various roles, gradually moving into leadership positions. From 2009 to 2016, I served as the Whole-Time Director at VSIL.

During this period, I focused on increasing production, introducing modern technologies, and expanding our operations.

After taking a short break to focus on other aspects of my career, I returned as Executive Director, where my primary focus is on driving growth, implementing process improvements, and enhancing sustainability.

The industry is constantly evolving, and at VSIL, we are always striving to stay ahead of the curve by adopting new technologies, increasing production capacity, and improving efficiency.

The work we do here aligns with my passion for creating sustainable and efficient business operations, which has made my journey at VSIL incredibly fulfilling.

As I look ahead, my goal is to continue improving the overall performance of the company while contributing to the growth and modernization of the sugar industry.

At VSIL, we are focused on staying ahead of market trends, creating value for stakeholders, and ensuring that we are aligned with global standards in terms of sustainability and operational efficiency.

How do you see the role of technology in enhancing sugar production and efficiency?

Mukesh Kumar: Technology has become an integral part of enhancing sugar production and improving overall operational efficiency in the sugar industry.

At Vishwaraj Sugar Industries, we have embraced several technological advancements across both the farming and manufacturing processes to drive better results and boost productivity.

In farming, one of the most important areas where technology plays a key role is in helping farmers improve their crop yields while being mindful of environmental concerns.

We work closely with farmers to implement smart agricultural practices such as drip irrigation, soil testing, and GPS-based monitoring.

These methods allow farmers to use water more efficiently, apply fertilizers at the right time and in the correct quantities, and monitor crop health in real-time. This results in higher productivity and more sustainable farming practices.

On the production side, we leverage automation, real-time monitoring systems, and advanced data analytics to improve operational efficiency.

Automated systems help control various stages of the sugar production process, reducing human error and minimizing waste.

These systems provide critical data that we can analyze to optimize operations and prevent equipment failure, which in turn increases the lifespan of our machinery.

In addition, we are expanding our use of renewable energy sources and biofuels, with investments in better distillation techniques and ethanol production.

With the demand for ethanol growing, we are using advanced biofuel processing methods to meet this need and contribute to India’s energy security.

By continually adopting cutting-edge technologies, we are able to increase our production capacity, reduce operational costs, and make our business more sustainable.

How do you approach market fluctuations and their impact on pricing and production?

Mukesh Kumar: Market fluctuations are a constant challenge in the sugar industry due to factors like changes in global sugar demand, government policies, weather conditions, and the growing ethanol blending program.

At Vishwaraj Sugar Industries, we address these challenges by adopting a diversified approach and focusing on long-term planning and cost management.

To minimize the impact of fluctuating sugar prices, we have expanded beyond just sugar production. In addition to sugar, we are heavily invested in ethanol production and power cogeneration.

This diversification ensures that if sugar prices drop, we can offset the losses with revenue from ethanol sales and energy generation.

For example, when sugar prices are low due to excess supply or government regulations, the increased demand for ethanol, especially due to ethanol blending programs, allows us to stabilize our revenue.

We also focus on reducing costs through more energy-efficient operations. By implementing energy-saving technologies in our production processes, we reduce operational expenses, which helps maintain healthy margins even when market conditions are difficult.

Furthermore, we are constantly monitoring the global sugar market trends, weather forecasts, and regulatory changes to anticipate any potential risks and adjust our production strategies accordingly.

Our team also focuses on proactive financial planning and forecasting, which helps us adjust production schedules based on expected market conditions.

Through these strategies, we aim to remain resilient in the face of market volatility, ensuring that we can continue to meet our production goals and maintain profitability.

Can you discuss any recent innovations or projects that have been implemented at Vishwaraj Sugar Industries?

Mukesh Kumar: At Vishwaraj Sugar Industries, we are continuously working on innovative projects aimed at improving production capabilities and ensuring sustainability.

One of our biggest ongoing projects is the development of a new sugar and distillery plant in Navage, Belgaum. This facility will include a 5,000 TCD sugar mill and a 150 KLPD ethanol plant.

This new plant will significantly increase our production capacity and help support India’s national ethanol blending program, which is aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels and boosting energy security.

In addition to the new plant, we are expanding our existing ethanol production and power generation capabilities.

We are constructing a 22 MW cogeneration plant, which will help meet the rising demand for both energy and ethanol. This expansion is part of our broader strategy to diversify our revenue streams and reduce our dependence on a single product.

On the sustainability front, we are introducing several new technologies aimed at reducing waste and improving environmental efficiency.

For example, we are investing in advanced fermentation technologies to improve ethanol production, as well as carbon capture and water recycling systems to minimize our environmental footprint. These improvements will help us meet our sustainability goals and reduce our carbon emissions.

Our commitment to innovation is reflected in these projects, which are designed to increase efficiency, expand production capacity, and contribute to the sustainable growth of the sugar industry. These initiatives align with our long-term vision for growth and environmental responsibility.

How does Vishwaraj Sugar engage with stakeholders, including farmers and suppliers?

Mukesh Kumar: At Vishwaraj Sugar Industries, we believe that building strong, long-lasting relationships with our stakeholders is key to our success.

Our stakeholders include not just investors and customers, but also the farmers who grow our sugarcane, suppliers who provide raw materials and equipment, and the local communities we serve.

With farmers, we take a hands-on approach by providing them with training and guidance on best practices in sugarcane farming.

This includes educating them on sustainable farming techniques such as drip irrigation, pest control, and soil health management.

We also provide financial assistance and ensure fair pricing and timely payments, which helps farmers increase their income and improve their productivity.

By fostering a strong relationship with farmers, we ensure a steady supply of high-quality raw materials for our production processes.

When it comes to suppliers, we prioritize building transparent, efficient, and reliable partnerships.

We make sure to maintain clear communication and ensure that our procurement processes are smooth and cost-effective. This enables us to source raw materials and equipment on time, which is critical for maintaining smooth operations.

We also place significant emphasis on community engagement. Through various initiatives, we support local education, healthcare, and rural development programs.

Our goal is to contribute positively to the communities around us, ensuring that they benefit from our operations. By investing in these areas, we help create a more sustainable business environment that benefits all stakeholders involved.

What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to enter the sugar industry?

Mukesh Kumar: The sugar industry today is much more diverse than it used to be. It’s no longer just about producing sugar; it also includes areas like ethanol production, renewable energy, and advanced technology.

As the industry evolves, young professionals have many opportunities, but they need to equip themselves with the right knowledge and skills to take full advantage of them.

One key piece of advice is to develop a broad understanding of various disciplines. A background in chemical engineering, agriculture, supply chain management, and sustainability will be very beneficial.

These areas are increasingly important as the industry moves toward more efficient and sustainable practices. It’s also essential to learn about emerging technologies like automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.

These tools are revolutionizing the sugar industry by improving efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing production processes.

Getting hands-on experience is equally crucial. Whether through internships, working on farms, or engaging with market analysis teams, practical exposure will deepen your understanding of the industry and its challenges. It will also help you learn problem-solving skills that are critical in this dynamic field.

Finally, sustainability is a growing focus within the sugar industry, and understanding eco-friendly practices and renewable energy technologies will be valuable.

Professionals who can combine technical expertise with a strong focus on sustainability will be well-positioned for success.

The future of the sugar industry is full of possibilities for those who are willing to learn, innovate, and adapt to new trends.

As our conversation concludes, Mukesh Kumar’s vision for Vishwaraj Sugar Industries reflects a deep commitment to sustainability and innovation.

His leadership not only positions the company for future success but also contributes to the broader evolution of the sugar industry, ensuring it meets the demands of a changing world.

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