About Chemical Engineering (Sugar Technology)

India is one of the largest sugar producers globally and not to mention the largest consumers too. With over a billion people to feed, sugar consumption is increasing day by day. The demand in the global markets is also growing. With over 70% of the population depending on agriculture, our country has a lot of room to improve practices, methods, and the tools used to increase our production and production quality. Moreover, this increase in production must be sustainable and should not deteriorate the soil or natural resources. Thus, there is a need for extensive study in the field of sugar technology to maximise production and develop sustainable methods that are profitable and environmental.

What is Chemical Engineering (Sugar Technology)?

Chemical Engineering (Sugar Technology) deals with the extensive study of the manufacturing and extraction of sugar and other by-products from sugar cane. The engineering programme lasts for four years and covers all the necessary topics in industrial application and full-scale production. It deals with the technical, managerial, chemical and technological aspects of sugar production. Students are well taught inorganic and physical chemistry, biochemistry, sugar chemistry, sugar cane agriculture and statistics, the involvement of technology in optimisation, industrial management, equipment design and drawing, which are essential for a professional in the field. Currently, there is an energy crisis in significant parts of the world. Chemical Engineering (Sugar Technology) has taken a substantial step up as ethanol, a potential fuel with high energy can be produced from sugar cane. This has increased government fundings and plans to set up ethanol plants in all major sugar manufacturing plants. Chemical Engineers (Sugar Technology) are well-equipped to meet the newfound demand in the field. They are trained to design systems and equipment to optimise each area of manufacturing and logistics.

Eligibility and Career in Chemical Engineering (Sugar Technology)

The exponential rise in sugar and ethanol demand has rendered Chemical Engineering (Sugar Technology) a gold mine for passionate students to make their careers. With increasing demand, professionals will be required in the mid-to-long term to increase production, create energy-efficient solutions, and develop solutions to existing inefficiencies at the ground and manufacturing levels. There are requirements for brewing process engineers, boiler operators, sugar engineers, production engineers, etc., in primary sugar oriented corporations like KingFisher, McDowell, United Spirits, Rana Sugar Mills, Pernod Ricard, and many others more. With the transition to non-conventional sources for energy, the sugar industry will have a significant boom in the coming years with support from the government. Hence, it is the right time for pursuing your career in Chemical Engineering (Sugar Technology). Students can also wish to pursue higher studies in Sugar Technology, focusing on an aspect they want to specialise in. There are institutions all over the country offering higher learning in Sugar Technology, such as the National Sugar Institute. There are also post-graduate diploma courses lasting two years for people looking at more technical aspects of the field.