3. METHODOLOGY ADOPTED

3.1 SECONDARY SURVEY

- To collect information from published sources on the size and performace of domestic as well as international markets and on organizations involved in supplying technologies for sugar, molasses and molasses based products.

3.2 PRIMARY SURVEW

- To obtain views of industry experts on technology improvements required and the possibility of achievements. The detailed list of organizations contacted is given as Annexure-I.1.

3.3 DATA ANALYSIS

- The information obtained through primary and secondary surveys is processed according to the requirements of the study.

3.4 LIMITATIONS

- The focus of the study is to identify technology options and new applications of molasses and to minimize the inefficiencies in the existing applications.

- In the absence of sufficient technological information, world market size of molasses based products is considered not to be uneven. However, sufficient data and information have been complied to draw conclusions.

- Because of uneven information, future availability and demand of smaller applications of molasses is not projected in the report.

- The study is conducted at a time when the decontrol of molasses was just announced. The decision of decontrol came after a long period of control over molasses pricing and distribution. As a result, several structural changes are taking place in the market and the market has not fully adjusted to the new environment. In such a scenario, it is difficult to predict accurately the impact of decontrol over the following:

•  Future availability of molasses and alcohol.

•   Quality of molasses recovered by sugar factories.

•   Storage practices.

•   Change in trading practices of molasses with the possibility of emergence of middlemen.

•   Realizable prices of molasses and alcohol.

- The information on cost discussed in the report is only indicative.

5. MAJOR OBSERVATIONS/FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS OF THE REPORT

- Various issues related to a gainful utilization of molasses are discussed in the report. Major findings are discussed as under:

•  Current Use Pattern of Molasses in India:

Major Application (Consuming about 85% - 95% of molasses recovered in India)
: Alcohol
Others : Cattle Feed, Other direct bio-conversion products such as Citric Acid and Lactic acid.

•  Possibility of developing manufacture of other products based on molasses in India.