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Distinguished Guests

Shri Ashokkumar Umaraochand Ranawat/Jain stands as a beacon of leadership and dynamism within Mumbai agricultural and commodities markets. With an impressive tenure of 40 years in the sugar and jaggery trade, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. Currently, Shri Jain is the President of the Bombay Sugar Merchant’s Association Ltd., a position he has held with distinction for the past 18 years. His leadership in this role has been marked by progressive initiatives and a steadfast commitment to the welfare of traders and the broader market community. In addition to his presidency, Shri Jain serves as the Vice President of the Jaggery Association, where he has been instrumental in promoting the interests of jaggery producers and traders, ensuring fair practices and fostering growth in the sector.

Shri B. B. Thombare, Chairman of Western India Sugar Mills Ltd., is a distinguished leader in the sugar industry for nearly five decades, boasting a remarkable career. His journey began with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. and flourished through leadership roles in numerous sugar factories, most notably as Managing Director of Manjara S. S. K. Ltd. and The Vaidyanath S. S. K. Ltd., both of which achieved exceptional performance under his guidance. A testament to his entrepreneurial spirit is Natural Sugar and Allied Industries Ltd., a private sector sugar plant known for record-breaking achievements in efficiency, project cost, and construction speed. Mr. Thombare’s dedication extends beyond the industry. He actively participates in social work initiatives, earning recognition with the “Jal Mitra Award” for his commitment to water conservation. His leadership is further reflected by prestigious awards like the “Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishiratna Award” and a “Life Time Achievement Award.” Most recently, his dedication continues to be recognized with the “Best Cane Development Award 2021,” “Best Technical Efficiency Award-2022-23,” and the “SEIA Award 2024 for Most Efficient Technology for Sugar Production.”

Shri Chandra Singh Dharamshaktu – Served in different Administrative posts in the State of Uttarakhand like Sub District Magistrate, Add. Distt. Magistrate, Director Panchayti Raj, Regional Food Controller Garhwal Region, Managing Director Uttarakhand Bahuudeshiya Vikas Nigam, M.D. UPNL, Add. Secretary Uttarakhand Secretariat, etc.

Shri Dilip Patil is the Managing Director of Karmayogi Ankushrao Tope Samarth SSK Ltd, since May 2018. With over three decades of experience since 1986, he has made significant contributions to the sugar industry, earning numerous awards and accolades.Awards and Recognitions:
– Best Finance Manager (2003-04) by Vasantdada Sugar Institute, Pune.
– Prithviraj Shinde Best Management Paper Award for “Reduction in Sugar Conversion Cost.”
– Best Management Paper Awards from DSTA, Pune
– SISSTA, Chennai: Best Paper Award (Gold Medals) for both the papers on “Technical Performance Analysis of Sugar Industry” and “Cost Reduction and Benefits Through Plant Automation.”
– Performance Excellence Award 2019 & Bharat Excellence Award-2019 by Friendship Forum of India.
– Sahakar Samaj Bhushan Puraskar by Swarajya Sarpanch Seva Sangh, Ahmednagar.
– Industry Excellence Award-2023 by The Sugar Technologists Association of India.
– Best Talent for Sugar and Ethanol Industry by Chinimandi in 2024.

Dr. G. Malsur
Dr. G. Malsur, Director of Sugar & Cane Comissioner, holds a Master’s Degree in Veterinary Science and a Higher Diploma in Cooperative Management and joined as Group-I Officer in the year 1990 in the United Andhra Pradesh.
  • Having experience of working in Cooperative Department and all Welfare Department like Social Welfare department, BC Welfare department and Tribal Welfare department.
  • Gained enormous experience working with both Rural and Urban local bodies as CEO, Zilla Parishad and Municipal Administration and Urban development departments and also in MCH.
  • Worked in Irrigation department in various capacities looking after World Bank and JICA Funded Project apart from discharging duties as Commissioner, Command Area Development Authority (CADA) and also worked in Mining Department as Vice Chairman & Managing Director, TS Mineral Development Corporation Ltd., (TSMDC)
Presently, working as Director of Industries, Commerce, and Export Promotion, Government of Telangana, and also as Commissioner for Sugar & Cane Commissioner.
Shri Jignesh R. Thakker, President of Sugar King and a respected semi-wholesaler in North Gujarat for three decades. A second-generation leader at Punit Enterprise, Deesa, he brings extensive expertise and leadership in the sugar industry.
Shri Kiran Warde has a rich history in the sugar industry, beginning his journey in 1990 at Geeta Sugar Agency, established by his father, Mr. Ishwarlal Warde, in Ahmedabad in 1983. Since becoming a partner at Om Enterprise in 2016, Kiran Kumar has played a pivotal role in introducing innovative strategies and leading in sugar trading. His profound dedication and deep industry knowledge have earned him the prestigious position of President at the Gujarat Sugar Agents Association, highlighting his commitment to advancing industry standards and benefiting all stakeholders involved.
Shri Manohar Gopal Joshi is a seasoned professional with a background in commerce and as a Chartered Accountant. He has been working as the Managing Director of Kallappanna Awade Jawahar Shetkari Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd., Hupari-Yalgud, for over 34 years. Under his leadership, the mill boasts a capacity of 16,000 TCD and includes a co-generation plant with a capacity of 28.5 MW, making it one of the largest in the cooperative sugar sector nationwide. Mr. Joshi’s career highlights include serving as the Managing Director of the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd., New Delhi, from 2013 to 2017. He is also Vice President of Bhartiya Sugars, Pune, and a Council Member of the Deccan Sugar Technologists Association, Pune. 

Shri Manoj Balgi is Vice President, Procurement at Britannia and has been with the company since 2009. He is responsible for managing procurement of raw materials, packing materials, capex and projects. Manoj holds a B.E. (Mechanical) from Pune University and a PG in Industrial Management from National Institute of Industrial Engineering.

Shri Pandurang Ramrao Patil, the Chairman of Maharashtra Rajya Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Sangh Ltd. (Sakhar Sangh), has dedicated over four decades to the sugar industry. With a profound understanding of sugar trade both in India and overseas, he has significantly contributed to the development and diversification of the industry. As a founder and key leader of several cooperative societies and sugar factories, including Rajarambapu Patil S.S.K. Ltd., Shri Patil has driven numerous social and economic initiatives, improving the livelihoods of many in rural areas. His leadership has garnered multiple awards, including the “Best Sugar Factory Award” and “Best Distillery Award” from Vasantdada Sugar Institute, Pune. In his tenure at Sakhar Sangh, he has made notable achievements through the State Level Members Purchase Committee and led significant infrastructural developments.

Shri. Sambhaji Kadupatil (IAS Retd.) hails from a small village in Rahata tehsil, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. Born into a family of agriculturists, he has been deeply connected with sugarcane farming and the sugar industry from an early age. He completed his schooling in Pravaranagar, where India’s first sugar cooperative mill was established. He then pursued his Graduation and Post-Graduation in English Literature from Fergusson College, Pune, followed by a Masters Diploma in Business Administration from IMDR Pune and a Law degree from Shivaji University. Mr. Kadupatil joined government service as a Deputy Collector in June 1985 and was inducted into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in the 1998 batch.
His distinguished career includes:
  1. Subdivisional Officer and Subdivisional Magistrate in Madha, Baramati, and Solapur subdivisions.
  2. Additional Collector at Nanded and Latur.
  3. Deputy Commissioner (General) in Aurangabad Division.
  4. Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishads in Satara and Latur.
  5. Director at the State Institute of Rural Development, Yashada, Pune.
and more.
Following his retirement on November 30, 2018, Mr. Kadupatil has been active with various organizations:
  1. Consultant and State Coordinator for Tata Trusts’ project E Peek Pahani.
  2. Officer on Special Duty at Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI), Pune, where he has been the Director General since October 2022.
Mr. Kadupatil is also a member of various international organizations, including the International Consortium for Sugarcane Biotechnology (ICSB), International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ISSCT), Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT), Sugar Industry Technologists Inc., and the World Association of Beet & Cane Growers (WABCG). His unwavering commitment to advancing the sugar industry and improving the socio-economic conditions of farmers continues to drive his work at VSI.

Shri Sameep Katta, distinguished Chartered Accountant and a key professional at Om Prakash & Co., a venerable organisation with over 40 years of experience in the sugar trade. Following his specialisation in Finance from HR College, Mumbai, Mr. Katta has brought formidable expertise and leadership to our organization. He plays a pivotal role in steering Om Prakash & Co. to the forefront of the corporate sugar supply industry. Moreover, Sameep is actively engaged in expanding our presence in the packaged sugar market, overseeing nationwide distribution partnerships with various mills. His strategic vision and operational prowess have solidified Om Prakash & Co.’s reputation as a trusted supplier of quality sugar products across India.

Shri Sanjay Khatal is a Senior level Management Personnel with over 40 years of experience in the Agri-inputs and Processed Foods Industry. After his graduation in the Agricultural Engineering faculty with a B.Tech (AE) degree he has worked in the Private, Co-operative and Public Sector (Govt.) companies at different levels and varied portfolios. He has served as Director (Commercial) in National Seeds Corporation Ltd., New Delhi (A Mini Ratna Company) and presently working as Managing Director of Maharashtra State Cooperative Sugar Factories Federation Ltd Mumbai. To his credit is also a teaching stint with Symbiosis Institute of International Business for the Agri Business Management faculty. He has handled various portfolios including Fertilizers, Agro-chemicals, Animal Feeds, Agricultural Machinery and Implements, Processed foods and Agricultural seeds. Presently apart from catering to the Sugar Industry he is also handling responsibilities as Director General of Cogeneration Association of India, Pune. In the present assignments he is actively dealing in ‘Policy Advocacy’ for Sugar, Ethanol, Non-fossil Bagasse based Cogeneration and all matters related to Sugar Industry. He has conceptualised the theme “Sugar Industry the New BioEnergy Hub”.

Shri Semal Sudhir Jain is owner at M/s Jain Sales Corporation, Kolhapur is a third generation entrepreneur, after completing his B.E joined his Grandfather into the family business. M/s Jain Sales Corporation is engaged in wholesale business of sugar for central India, South India with more than 100 sugar wholesalers. He has represented our Asso. at various events and is in the panel of the advisory committee of many organizations.

Shri Suresh Agarwal is a Managing Director at Rika Global Impex Limited, registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He is currently associated with 17 companies and serves as the Managing Director at Rika Global Impex Limited. With extensive experience in business management, Mr. Agarwal has been instrumental in the company’s growth and success in international trade. Previously, he was associated with 12 other companies, showcasing his broad expertise and leadership in the industry.

Further announcements are on the way...

Speakers

Mr. Praful Vithalani, proprietor of Jagjivan Keshavji & Co, a respected second-gen firm, holds high regard across sectors including Government, sugar industry, and trade. He founded the All India Sugar Trade Association, earning widespread respect. Prafulbhai, as affectionately called, served the Bombay Sugar Merchants Association for over 35 years. He’s a Bombay University alumnus with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Mr. Anup Kumar, MD and CEO of Sucden India since 2019, has transformed the company into a preferred merchant for sugar mills, industries, and distribution networks nationwide. With over two decades at Olam Singapore, he brings extensive experience to his role. Anup, a Chemical Engineer from IIT Benares and an IIM Calcutta alum, emphasizes efficient supply chain management and financial returns at Sucden India.

Mr. Atul Chaturvedi, a seasoned expert in Vegetable Oil, Agro Business, and Agri Infrastructure, boasts over four decades of experience. As Executive Chairman of Renuka Sugars Ltd and Senior Advisor of Adani Wilmar, he’s been pivotal in their success. Winner of numerous awards, including “Globoil Man of the Year-2013,” he’s renowned for his contributions to the industry.

Dr. Bakshi Ram, the Former Director of Sugarcane Breeding Institute, ICAR-Coimbatore, dedicated his career to sugarcane research, developing varieties like Co 0238, rich in sucrose. This variety significantly boosts sugar recovery rates in Northern India, elevating national sugar output. Under his guidance, varieties covered 3.14 million hectares in the 2020-21 season, constituting 60% of the country’s sugarcane area.

Mr. Benjamin, a Senior Sugar Trader at Czarnikow, spearheads the VIVE Sustainable Supply Programme in Asia. With 11 years at the company, he’s traded raw sugar, worked in sub-Saharan Africa, and now trades refined sugar in Singapore. Armed with a BSc Hon Degree in Agricultural Business Management, he’s dedicated 7 years to developing sustainable sugar supply chains across Asia, collaborating with global stakeholders.

Ms. Bhavna, Ph.D. in Nutrition from D.U. and INMAS (DRDO), heads Nutrition Science at ITC’s Foods Division. She leads CSR & Sustainability, executes product innovation, supports regulatory policies, and serves on national & international committees for Poshan 2.0 commitments aligned with UNSDG 2030. 

Mr. Bhavesh Thakkar, a second-generation entrepreneur, manages Shri Mahalaxmi Sugars, founded by his father, Mr. Jethmal Thakkar, in 1983. Alongside Mr. Nitin Thakkar, he leads the family-owned business in Kolhapur. With over 20 years of market expertise, Mr. Bhavesh ensures the company continues its growth trajectory, building upon his father’s solid foundation.

Mr. Chris earned a BSc in Brewing and Biological Sciences from Heriot-Watt University in 1981. He began at Traquair House Ales, then worked in micro-brewing and at Hall and Woodhouse. He obtained the Institute of Brewing Master Brewer Diploma and set up breweries in Karachi. Later, he joined William Grant & Sons before moving to America with Alltech and Lallemand Ethanol Technology. 

Dr. Claudiu Covrig, Founder & Lead Agriculture Analyst at CovrigAnalytics, specializes in sugar and ethanol market analysis, trade dynamics, and policy insights. With 18+ years’ experience in research, trading, and academia, he’s been pivotal at S&P Global Platts, Kingsman, and Sucden. His expertise spans market research, futures trading, and renewable energy systems. 

Mr. Falgun Bhatt is a sales and marketing professional with over 14 yrs of experience, 13 yrs of it in the brand and category management function of Food FMCGs within and outside India. Passionate about the branding of agro commodities – the Scale, the Challenge and the Indian Market.

Mr. G K Sood, a seasoned figure in commodities, has navigated various sectors including Oil, Steel, and Agri Industry. Presently advising Godavari Biorefineries and serving on boards like K N Agri Resources and MEIR Commodities. Previously, he chaired Noble Resources India’s Agri division and led Louis Dreyfus Commodities India. With expertise in policy formulation and industrial development.

Mr. Gurdev Gill has led Marex’s global sugar franchise for a decade, shaping it into a premier clearing and executing brokerage. With Robin Shaw, he’s developed comprehensive research products. Gurdev, also active in grains markets, previously worked at European Credit Management. He holds a BSc in Management Science from the University of Manchester.

Mr Jaiprakash Dandegaonkar, former Cooperation Minister of Maharashtra, now chairs various organizations including National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd. Actively involved in rural upliftment through education, sports, and agriculture. Adept in English, Hindi, and Marathi, with a Master’s degree (Gold Medalist). 

Mr. Shri Jitender Juyal serves as Joint Director at the Directorate of Sugar & Vegetable Oils, Department of Food & Public Distribution, Govt. of India. With 8 years of experience in sugar policy and ethanol sector implementation, he holds a B.Sc. (General) from Delhi University and completed a Post Graduate Executive Program in Financial Markets from the National Institute of Financial Management, Faridabad.

Ms. Kona Haque, Group Head of Research at ED&F Man since 2014, previously led agriculture research at Macquarie Bank and worked as a Senior Commodities Editor at the Economist Group. With experience in base metals, grains, and shipping consultancy, she holds an MSc in Economics from LSE and a BSc in Agricultural Economics from Reading University.

Ms. Manisha Gupta, an MBA with a Diploma in International Trade Finance, is the Commodities Editor at CNBC-TV18. With expertise spanning from Crude oil to Corn, she’s renowned for her insightful coverage and policy analysis. Winner of prestigious awards, she leads commodity discussions across CNBC channels and strengthens video coverage on Moneycontrol.com.

Mr. Manoj Balgi is Vice President, Procurement at Britannia and has been with the company since 2009. He is responsible for managing procurement of raw materials, packing materials, capex and projects. Manoj holds a B.E. (Mechanical) from Pune University and a PG in Industrial Management from National Institute of Industrial Engineering.

Mr. Naresh Dhanraj Kella, a Chartered Accountant, serves as Director at State Trading Corporation of India Limited. With 11+ years of expertise in Finance, Audit, and Corporate Laws, he’s a dynamic leader involved in various social, political, and cooperative endeavors. He’s also the youngest Director at Rajkot Nagarik Sahakari Bank Ltd. and actively contributes to the BJP Intellectual Cell and Zalawad Business Forum.

Mr. Niket Doshi representing the third generation of Rameshchandra Bhikhalal & Co., continue to elevate the family-owned agro commodity powerhouse established in 1952. With a strong focus on sugar and jaggery trading, the company thrives domestically and internationally, leveraging extensive market expertise and a stellar reputation for growth in the competitive landscape.

Mr Nilesh Shah, Group President & MD at Kotak Mahindra Asset Management, brings over 30 years of capital markets expertise from ICICI, Axis Bank, and Franklin Templeton. He’s been instrumental in award-winning teams at Franklin, ICICI Prudential, and Kotak Mutual Fund. Nilesh serves on AMFI’s board, SEBI’s CoBoSAC committee, and as a part-time member of the PM’s Economic Advisory Council.

Mr. Peter joined Wilmar in Singapore in 2018 when Wilmar acquired Bunge’s sugar trading business. Before this Peter had been at Bunge for 10 years both having had a range of responsibilities from Futures trading to research and finally heading the Asian sugar business. Peter started his career in sugar at Tate & Lyle in London in 2006.

Mr. Prakash Naiknavare, a seasoned figure in the sugar sector for over 23 years, is currently the MD of NFCSF, representing 258 cooperative sugar mills in India. He oversees member mills, provides technical consultancy, and influences national sugar policies. With a background in Agriculture and extensive global experience, he’s been pivotal in shaping India’s sugar industry.

Mr Raj Paul Bhagria, CEO of AISTA, served in senior roles in the Indian government, specializing in sugar and sugarcane economics. With a background in Indian Economic Service, he advised on pricing policies at CACP. His tenure includes Chief Director, Sugar. Bhagria, a Punjab University Economics graduate with an M.Phil from Glasgow University and a law degree from Delhi University, retired in 2012.

Mr. Rahil Shaikh, MD of MEIR Commodities India Pvt. Ltd., a new agro trading firm, focuses on domestic and global markets in Sugar, Ethanol, Molasses, Edible Oil, Organics, etc. Formerly MD of ED&F Man India, Rahil boasts 25 years’ experience in the Indian sugar industry. He’s revered for expertise, serving as VP of AISTA and as an expert speaker on agri commodities.

Mr Ravi Gupta, Executive Director at Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd., boasts 30 years’ experience across diverse agro commodities like Sugar, Ethanol, and Grains. A Commerce Graduate with a Post Grad in Forest Management, he initiated his career with TRIFED, later holding key roles at Noble (now COFCO), Louis Dreyfus, and others. Gupta’s passion lies in India’s sugar and ethanol industry, notably influencing the Ethanol Blending Policy.

Mr. Roshan Lal Tamak leads Sugar and Ethanol businesses at DCM Shriram Ltd as Executive Director & CEO. With over 30 years in Indian Sugar Sector, he excels in green/brown field projects, acquisitions, and company turnarounds. He prioritizes sustainability, enhancing farmer incomes, and fostering partnerships for agricultural productivity. A seasoned speaker and learner from global practices.

Mr. Sanchayan, Partner at Aavishkaar Capital, oversees their South/South-east Asia impact fund, focusing on climate initiatives and nature-based investments. With 25+ years in fund management and investment banking across Asia/Middle East, he previously worked at Standard Chartered Bank and Bank of America. He holds a Post Grad Diploma from IIM Bangalore and a B.Tech from IIT Kharagpur.

Mr. Santosh, MD at Intellecap, heads the Climate and Agri Solution practice, aiding clean energy entrepreneurs with expertise, connections, and funding. With 15+ years’ experience in BoP market development, focusing on energy access, climate-resilient agriculture, and finance, he previously worked at the World Bank and GIZ. A Math graduate with a postgrad from Indian Institute of Forest Management

Mr. Sanjay Khatal, a seasoned management professional with 40+ years in Agri-inputs and Processed Foods. With a B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering, he’s held key roles in Private, Co-operative, and Public sectors. Currently MD of Maharashtra State Cooperative Sugar Factories Federation Ltd., he’s also Director General of Cogeneration Association of India.

Mr. Sangeet Singla, an Indian Defence Accounts Service member since 2004, became Director in the Dept. of Food and Public Distribution, GOI, in Sep 2020. Currently Chief Director (Sugar Veg Oil) at Directorate of Sugar and Vegetable Oils. Holds an MBA from Kurukshetra University, with prior roles in finance and accounts across Indian Army, Armed Forces, and DRDO. 

Mr. Shekhar Gaikwad, an Indian Administrative Service Officer, brings 25 years of revenue expertise, serving as Joint Secretary in Maharashtra’s Chief Minister’s Office. As District Collector in Sangli, he’s lauded for innovative approaches, teaches at Yashada, Pune, and other institutes, simplifies land laws through books and articles. Gaikwad’s One Time Home Delivery scheme earned him Rajiv Gandhi Administrative Award in 2008

Mr. Siddharth Amin joined Dr. Amin Controllers in 1983 after training at various branches. He gained expertise in supervising loading & discharge of various commodities. With colleagues, he expanded services to include QA, collateral management, assaying, and food testing. He also established AgriMin Control International in Geneva in 2018, inspecting commodities globally.

Mr. Somnath Chatterjee, with 30+ years at FMCG giants like Nestle, excels in commodities procurement, strategic planning, and cost reduction. Specializing in logistics, warehouse, distribution, transportation, and production planning, he holds a post-graduation in humanities, specializing in tea and coffee tasting. He’s undergone management courses on procurement psychology, price risk mitigation, and process management.

Mr. Sudhanshu Pandey, an IAS officer since 1987, boasts 33+ years of diverse senior roles in state, central government, and Indian Embassy Germany. Currently, he serves as Secretary, Food & Public Distribution, after a stint as Additional Secretary in Commerce overseeing trade policy, WTO negotiations, and export promotion.

Mr. Vinamra Agarwal, as Head of Sugar Sales at Dhampur Bio Organics Ltd, is integral to the senior management team. With 5 years of tenure, he transitioned from managing Ethyl Acetate sales to leading the entire sugar sales division. Under his guidance, the company has expanded into new markets and introduced innovative products, earning the prestigious Brand of Asia 2020-21 award. 

Mr. XiangYu Cao is market trade analyst, for Wilmar Sugar Pte. Ltd. He joined the group in 2021, working on global sugar market fundamental research. Before joining Wilmar Sugar, he had extensive experience in Ferrous metals and sugar fundamental research & risk management in Cargill International and Louis Dreyfus, based in Singapore and Switzerland. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the National University of Singapore.