The sugar sector is an important segment of the Indian economy, giving employment to over 5 million people comprising of farmers, agricultural workers, mill workers and employees, persons engaged in logistics and distribution etc, besides providing an energy packed  food, having an exceptional emotional link with each and every person. No moment of joy is complete without something sweetbeing central to it.

The value chain of sugar sector begins from cultivators of sugarcane and ends with end consumer, though, millers, trade houses, bakers, food processers, manufacturers of aerated drinks and juices, food service industry, big and small.

For quite some time participants of the sugar sector have felt the absence of a common platform to represent the entire sector, particularly the interests of those engaged in sugar distribution and related services.AISTA has been formed to fill this vacuum and welcomes the entire spectrum to join hands in strengthening it.

AISTA strives to serve the sector as a premier body to synthesize the interests of all stakeholders with a view to develop the sector. It also aims to provide certain unique services to members which, like dispute resolution mechanism, insurance cover transit and storage risk  to cargo and many more as per the feedback from members. AISTA will also strive to build a data bank and provide timely and updated information on developments relevant to the sector.

AISTA advocates policies conducive to development of the sector keeping in view the interests of farmer and consumer, which it believes is the very raison d’être of business.

I am grateful to the members for having reposed their faith in me by electing me as the first Chairman of the Association. I realize the responsibility it entails in building an institution from scratch and hope to meet the expectations of members with their continued support.

Praful Jagjivandas Vithalani

Founder Chairman, AISTA