New Delhi, Apr 11 (PTI) India, the world''s second largest sugar producer, has offered expertise and latest technology in sugar processing to Ethiopia.
"We have offered to provide our expertise and latest technology to modernise the sugar industry in Ethiopia," Food Minister K V Thomas told reporters after meeting the Ethiopian sugar delegation, here.

At present, sugar production in Ethiopia is around three lakh tonnes and the Horn of Africa nation plans to scale up its sweetener output in the coming years.
The delegation led by Abay Tsehaye, Director General of Sugar Corporation from Ethiopia, met Thomas and sought assistance from India in various fields of agriculture including sugar processing.

Thomas assured the delegation that Kanpur-based National Sugar Institute will host students and technicians from Ethiopia to make them familiar with latest sugar processing technology available in India.

He also said that experts would also be send to provide spot training in Ethiopia.

Indian investment in Ethiopia has been largely through private players and stands currently at USD 4.4 billion. The two countries have strong relationship in agriculture, he added.

India''s sugar production is estimated at 24.5 million tonnes in the 2010-11 crop year (October-September), as against demand of 22 million tonnes.

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