As Maharashtra approaches the final phase of the 2023-24 sugarcane crushing season, sugar millers are confronted with a substantial stockpile of ethanol and rectified spirit valued at Rs 925 crore. Besides the financial strain, millers emphasize that this unsold inventory presents a considerable risk due to its highly flammable nature.

Earlier this year, P R Patil, the chairman of the Maharashtra State Cooperative Sugar Factories Federation, highlighted in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the decision to prohibit ethanol production from B heavy molasses and impose a complete ban on rectified spirit and extra neutral alcohol (ENA) production has put sugar mills in a difficult situation.

Anticipating a potential shortage in sugar production, the central government enforced a blanket ban on ethanol production from B heavy molasses, sugarcane juice, or sugar syrup.

Ethanol, utilized as a fuel additive in petrol, has been a crucial lifeline for the sugar industry. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have consistently procured ethanol from sugar mills, providing mills with multiple income streams to sustain themselves.

Although the central government permitted ethanol production from B heavy molasses and cane juice, the diversion was capped at 17 lakh tonnes, resulting in a surplus of unsold B heavy molasses in mills.

OMCs have initiated a tender for ethanol procurement. According to the federation, Maharashtra alone possesses 2.56 lakh litres of B heavy molasses, 93.66 lakh litres of ethanol from B heavy molasses, and 79.78 lakh litres of alcohol/rectified spirit/extra neutral alcohol.

Nationally, the federation estimates the total valuation of this surplus stock to be around Rs 2,800 crore.

B heavy molasses, along with ethanol and other derivatives, are stored in large containers at sugar mills. Despite taking extra precautions due to the highly flammable nature of these materials, accidents cannot be completely ruled out.

Sugar millers, initially anticipating a scarcity in sugarcane availability, were surprised to see a yield increase of over 15 percent per acre. Out of the 207 sugar mills that commenced operations, only 37 have concluded their season.

Contrary to earlier projections, Maharashtra has produced 98.53 lakh tonnes of sugar to date, and the industry anticipates reaching the 100 lakh-tonne mark in final production. However, the decline in sugar prices has raised concerns among millers about their ability to pay farmers for the purchased sugarcane.

Black raisin sesame halwa: Eating this dessert not only strengthens your bones but also provides many other benefits to the body. Let’s learn about the benefits of consuming it.

Black raisin sesame halwa: If your bones are weak, you may experience joint pain and swelling. Not only that, you may also have difficulty walking. Weak bones can affect many parts of your body, including your feet, causing pain. Not only in exercise but also in daily activities, you may face difficulties. In such a situation, it is essential to consume foods rich in calcium to strengthen the bones. You can also include foods that contain calcium and potassium. So, let’s know about this halwa that can breathe life into your bones.

This halwa will fill the hollow bones. To fill the hollow bones, you can eat black raisin sesame halwa. For this, grind the black raisins. Then roast the sesame seeds and keep them aside. After that, mix the ground raisins with the sesame seeds. Now, put ghee in a pan, add two spoons of jaggery, and add raisins and sesame seeds. Mix both well. Now, add milk on top and let everything cook, and your halwa is ready.

Benefits of eating black raisin sesame halwa Black raisins contain potassium along with calcium. So, there are antioxidants in sesame seeds along with calcium, potassium that strengthen the bones. Also, this halwa contains jaggery and milk, which are helpful in strengthening the bones. Both contain protein along with iron and calcium, which provide strength to the bones from the inside.

In addition, it generates warmth in the body and boosts immunity. It helps reduce flu, pain, and swelling in the body. Besides, this halwa is beneficial for people suffering from diseases like arthritis.

Pomegranates have long been celebrated for their diverse health benefits, offering relief from acidity, stomach ulcers, and even aiding in stopping diarrhea while cooling the stomach. However, indulging excessively in this nutrient-rich fruit may have a downside, leading to bloating—especially in individuals prone to constipation and dry, hard stools, warns Sushma PS, chief dietitian at Jindal Naturecure Institute.

If you’ve ever found yourself dealing with bloating after enjoying a glass of pomegranate juice, you’re not alone. Despite its potential health perks, overconsumption can result in discomfort. Sushma highlights the role of pomegranate’s astringent property, which may elevate Vata, or air and space, in the gut, contributing to bloating.

Understanding the root cause of bloating, Ushakiran Sisodia, a registered dietitian and clinical nutritionist at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, points out that gas buildup in the digestive system often occurs due to the consumption of challenging-to-digest foods. The prevalence of bloating and indigestion among Indians is attributed to dietary choices such as spicy, oily, astringent foods, wheat-based items, and legumes. To mitigate bloating, selecting easily digestible foods or incorporating specific dietary additions to neutralize astringent effects becomes crucial.

Ayurvedic experts propose practical measures to address bloating after pomegranate consumption. Dr. Alka Vijayan, an Ayurveda thyroid expert, recommends adding a handful of black raisins to pomegranate juice or including a pinch of powdered black salt. Both remedies are believed to effectively counter bloating and flatulence.

Dr. Dilip Gude, a senior consultant physician at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, emphasizes the benefits of black salt, which contains minerals like magnesium, calcium, and iron, known to reduce bloating and flatulence. Adding a small amount of black salt to pomegranate juice can potentially alleviate these digestive issues.

While these remedies are suggested, Dr. Gude advises moderation in pomegranate juice consumption. He also stresses the need for further research to confirm the effectiveness of these remedies, acknowledging that raisins, due to their sugar content, may not consistently help reduce gastro symptoms when combined with pomegranate juice. Balancing the enjoyment of this vibrant fruit with mindful consumption remains essential for digestive well-being.