Proceedings of 12th Asian Business Research Conference 8 - 9 October 2015, Novotel Hotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand ISBN: 978-1-922069-85-6 An Exploratory Study to Understand Sugar Price Fluctuations in Bihar, India Shiwangi Singh* Sugar prices are fluctuating in India. Bihar state’s in India situation is no different from rest of other states. Bihar has 29 sugar mills and large area under sugarcane cultivation. In spite of this, sugar prices in Bihar are always varying. An attempt is made here to find out the factors affecting sugar price movements. And the relationship between these factors impacting on sugar prices oscillation was covered. It was first exploratory study covered to the sugar price variations in Bihar. The study found that some critical factors are influencing sugar price fluctuations in Bihar. In addition to general factors like Sugar demand and supply, climatic influences, the role of unorganized trade sector was found to be a major driver of sugar price up and down movement in Bihar. Keywords: Bihar, Price Fluctuations, Sugar Trade, Wholesalers Introduction In 2014-15 India is the world’s second largest producer of Sugar (Times of India, May 2015). Sugar be it a few teaspoon is an integral part of diet of every Indian household. But the sugar prices are fluctuating every day. In Industry it has been noticed that there is no predictable pattern till present. Even in a single day sugar prices keep fluctuating like stock market. Sugar Price depends upon many factors like recovery percentage, sugarcane pricing, monsoon, drought etc. Day to day sugar price variations is not exactly proportional Sugar Demand and Supply. There are other factors, too, which affect the sugar price fluctuations which are regional influencing factors which are unknown. Also Bihar has 5% of total mills in India. But its production is just 1.915% of India’s production. So, it has no influence in the Price fluctuations or price determination. This study involved the survey of the wholesalers, distributors and retailers. It also involved visiting Railway’s Rake Point Fatuha Jn., Bihar. So far, no study has been conducted with a focus on Bihar, India. So, this research is an exploratory study. Here we are trying to understand more about sugar price fluctuations in Bihar. In the next section we are going to discuss the scenario of Bihar and India. BIHAR By analyzing the sugar production trend, as given below in the graph we can say that sugar production does not have a particular increasing trend. However Sugar Production has an increasing trend from year 2009-10 onwards. From 2006-07 to 2012-13, we can see that the increase in Sugar production is 12.7%. * Shiwangi Singh, PGDM, Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna, Bihar, India shiwangi14@cimp.ac.in; shiwangisingh.1992@gmaail.com Proceedings of 12th Asian Business Research Conference 8 - 9 October 2015, Novotel Hotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand ISBN: 978-1-922069-85-6 Sugar Production in Lakh tonnes in Bihar 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 2012-13 2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 Figure I: Sugar Production in Lakh tonnes in Bihar (Source: Ganna Udhyog Vibhag Sugar Production, 2015) Area Sugarcane cultivation('000 hectares) in Bihar 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2012-13 2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 Figure II: Area Sugarcane cultivation('000 hectares) in Bihar (Source: Sugar India, 2014) As we can see in the Figure II, area under Cultivation has increased by 66.67% from 2006-07 to 2012-13. Comparing area under cultivation and sugar production, we can say that one of the factors influencing Sugar production is area under which the sugarcane is cultivated. In general, sugarcane cultivation area is directly proportional to production of sugarcane (Quantity), thus influencing sugar production. Proceedings of 12th Asian Business Research Conference 8 - 9 October 2015, Novotel Hotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand ISBN: 978-1-922069-85-6 Bihar is among the fifteen top sugar producing states in India. But the Sugarcane cultivation area is not fixed. So, it may impact sugar production and increasing sugar price fluctuations. INDIA In India the production of sugar was 275.50 lakh tonnes in the year 2014-15 (Times of India, May 2015). The sugar producing states can be categorized into three groups i.e. High, Medium, and low based upon recovery percentage of sugar from sugarcane, area under cultivation and actual sugar production. Category Sugar Producing States Approximate Production of India High Uttar Pradesh And Maharashtra 20% and above Medium Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil 5-19% Nadu Low Jammu Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, 0-4% Haryana, Uttaranchal, Rajasthan, MP, Bihar, WB, Orissa, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram Table I: Sugar Producing States (Source:http://www.vsisugar.com/india/statistics/world_indiasugar.htm) Based on a survey of Retailers, selling price of Sugar in Bihar is Rs. 3200 per Quintal. The rate for different quality of sugar keeps varying at the distributors, wholesalers and retailers point. But the price which consumer pays for the sugar is fixed. Bihar’s sugar price and Maharashtra’s sugar price for end consumer in same type of sugar cannot be the same because of difference in basic price per quintal of sugar, margin of intermediaries, weather conditions, and recovery percentage of sugar from sugarcane. In Maharashtra recovery percentage of sugar from sugarcane is around 11% whereas in case of Bihar it is around 9%. Literature Review In This section we are trying to study the Global and Indian scenario of Sugar and its price movements. Global Scenario According to “World Sugar Price Volatility Intensified by Market and Policy Factors,” by McConnell, Dohlman, and Haley, the factors affecting sugar prices are dependent generally upon demand and supply. However, Evaluation of economic and policy Proceedings of 12th Asian Business Research Conference 8 - 9 October 2015, Novotel Hotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand ISBN: 978-1-922069-85-6 factors driving production and trade in global sugar markets supports, underlying dynamics related to Brazil's exchange rates and ethanol's roles in energy markets putting upward pressure on global prices of Sugar. Further, the volatility of price movements during the last year was mostly the result of supply shortfalls linked to changing economic incentives, policy factors and weather disruptions in countries. Brazil also has the world's largest land base committed to sugarcane, which contributed to its rapid growth as the dominant exporter. Over the past 20 years, Brazil more than doubled cane production area, from nearly 3.6 million hectares to almost 8.5 million hectares, 2013 and a continuous increasing trend has been is observed each year. China, Pakistan, and India together account for over 25 percent of global sugar consumption, a share that has been growing since 2005. These countries also account for 20 to 30 percent of global sugar production, depending on the year, but are subject to volatile production cycles. From the survey of literature, factors influencing sugar price worldwide are supply of sugar, policy factors, weather disruptions, Brazil’s exchange rate, area under production etc. Rising incomes and lower sugar prices are making sugar more affordable, particularly in Asia where per person consumption of sugar is remaining low relative to the world average. Sugar consumption is also forecasted to grow strongly in North Africa and the Middle East as a result of rising incomes and population growth. Consumption in China will increase in response to rising incomes and lower sugar prices, as well as substitution of sugar for starch sweeteners by food and beverage manufacturers. Consumption of starch sweeteners has been relatively high in China, but they have become more expensive as China’s domestic ethanol programs have resulted in increases in the price of corn, the main ingredient in their manufacture. Sugar consumption in the Russian Federation has been declining since 2002-03. Lack of population growth and higher domestic prices caused by import tariffs are likely to be key contributors to the declining consumption. As Brazil is an efficient low cost producer of sugar, and all of their sugar is produced from cane, falling prices are expected to have a limited effect on sugar production. In addition, demand for ethanol generated by the large flex-fuel vehicle fleet, the compulsory blending of ethanol in petrol, and growing export demand for fuel alcohol, provides cane producers with some security against lower sugar prices. Although there appears to be plenty of scope to convert more land into sugar cane growing in Brazil, production costs may rise as additional infrastructure is required and transport costs rise as more land further from the main processing centres is brought into production (Wood, A. & Sheales, T., 2011-12) Indian Scenario In India (Bihar), factors affecting sugar prices fluctuations are explained by area under production of sugarcane, supply shortfall of sugar and weather disruptions. Sugar Consumption in different countries No such similar study had been conducted in case of Bihar, India. Proceedings of 12th Asian Business Research Conference 8 - 9 October 2015, Novotel Hotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand ISBN: 978-1-922069-85-6 As literature indicates other regional factors influencing prices are: Supply of Sugar Sugar Recovery percentage from sugarcane Climatic influences Emerging Issues in Sugar Prices Fluctuations The agricultural commodity markets have experienced extreme price fluctuations more frequently. The main reasons for this was changes in fundamental supply and demand factors. According to Ministry of Food and Agriculture of India, reasons for Agricultural Price Fluctuations are: the population growth rate, and changed dietary habits, resulting increases in the consumption of feed grain and food. Factors affecting sugar prices are almost common across the country, except supply short fall in low producing states. Around 17 states in India are in category of low sugar producing states. These states are not self-sufficient to cater to the consumption needs of the people. So, sugar in these states are being procured from outside states. Thus, more demand and less supply of sugar increases the price. In addition to demand and supply factors there are other factors which have contributed to the price increases of agricultural commodities. For example: It has been argued that financial speculation in securities and derivatives linked to commodities (including agricultural commodities) markets has helped push prices higher (John, David and Joseph). Methodology The types of data used in this project are primary data and secondary data. Primary data sources have been collected from Wholesalers and distributors. Questionnaire was used to collect data from wholesalers. Questions were related to price, quality, quantity of Sugar types, margin of trade, monthly order, preferred place of buying Sugar, cost of transportation, ordering time period etc. Interview was conducted for sugar distributor. Main points of interview were sugar demand in Bihar, railways discount for bringing rake, preferred sugar type for brining sugar, problems faced during whole process. Wholesalers were surveyed using Formal questionnaire followed by discussion and interview with distributor of Bihar. 12 wholesalers out of around 20 were visited in different locations of Patna. Secondary data was collected from the following sources: Hindustan Biofuels Limited Price of sugar in Sugauli and Lauria for Sugar Price Correlation NCDEX website (Sugar Prices of Kolhapur, Erode, Vaishi) for Price correlation Proceedings of 12th Asian Business Research Conference 8 - 9 October 2015, Novotel Hotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand ISBN: 978-1-922069-85-6 Ganna Udhog Vibhag, Bihar – Bihar’s Mills Sugar Production data of past 9 years and Cane Crushing Capacity per day and actual cane crushed per day Sugar India 2014 – Sugar Production of other states of past 9 year Secondary Research studies have been done from various journals like Food Price Fluctuations, Policies and Rural Development in Europe and Central Asia, World Sugar Price Volatility Intensified by Market and Policy Factors etc. Techniques of Data Analysis: Various techniques like SPSS Correlation Analysis, Standard deviation, percentage have been used in this study. Correlation analysis has been used to predict the relationship between prices of Bihar, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. This analysis was done to predict the variation in sugar prices of Bihar, if we have the sugar prices of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. An Overview of Sugar Trading Here we are trying to study the general trade pattern and system of sugar trade in Bihar. There are 578 sugar mills in India out of which 29 are located in Bihar. In Bihar out of these 29 mills, only 11 mills are functional. Location and production chart of 11 Functional Mills: Mill Location Bagha Production (Lakh ton) .755 Hari Nagar 1.152 Narkatiyaganj .765 Majhaulia .477 Sasamusa .155 Gopal ganj .369 Sighwalia .478 Riga .420 Hasanpur .311 Lauria .2 Sugauli .185 Total 5.267 Table Number II (Source: Ganna Udhyog Vibhag Sugar Production, 2015) Sugar demand in Bihar is estimated to be 20 lakh metric tons. However mere 5.267 Lakh metric ton is produced in Bihar. In order to meet the deficit demand the remaining amount of sugar is bought from the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and other states. Around 74% of sugar is being procured from outside to meet the domestic demand of the states. Proceedings of 12th Asian Business Research Conference 8 - 9 October 2015, Novotel Hotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand ISBN: 978-1-922069-85-6 In Bihar, around 7.3% of the total production in Bihar is sold through NCDEX (NCDEX E MARKET LIMITED), while the remaining production is sold via unorganized channel which does not involve exchange. There are two types of sugar consumption, institutional consumption and mass consumption. 65% constitutes Institutional consumption which includes use of sugar in making sweets, biscuits, cold drinks and confectionaries whereas 35% includes consumption by mass population. In this study we are focusing upon mass consumption. A Study done on Sugar Trading in Bihar, (respondents: wholesalers) stated M is the sugar quality which is mostly demanded in Bihar, because of people’s preference towards large grain size of the sugar. L is not sold despite having largest grain size due to increase of price. So, we can say that people prefer bigger grain size and also see price at the same time. The sample also told that quality difference exists between sugar of other states and Bihar (Sugar Mills in Bihar). Sugar of Maharashtra are more white in color and grain size is also bigger. Supply Chain of Sugar: The sugar supply chain depends upon the channel of sugar procured i.e. organized channel which involves exchange into it and other channel is unorganized channel which directly involves distributors. UNORGANISED Producer Distributor Wholesaler Retailer Final Consumer Proceedings of 12th Asian Business Research Conference 8 - 9 October 2015, Novotel Hotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand ISBN: 978-1-922069-85-6 ORGANISED Producer Exchange Distributor and/or Wholesaler Retailer Final Consumer Generally, the channel involves three or four parties between producer and final consumer. Producer: Responsible for getting raw materials and converting sugarcane into sugar and other byproducts. Exchange: Responsible for facilitating trade between Producer and Distributors. It is wholly responsible for all the sales of the mills. Distributors: Where exchange is not present then the Distributors directly take Sugars from millers. Producers may have contact with many distributors for sale. Wholesalers: Buys in bulk from the distributors / sometimes directly with exchange and breaks into small quantities to retailers. In case of organized channel the wholesalers are directly buy sugar with the help of exchange. Retailers: They sell goods to end consumers. They also provide information which goes to the producer about which sugar quality people are liking and why. Consumers: One who buys/consumes sugar. When transportation cost for Sugar was analyzed from different places to Patna, it was found that, the cost from Fatuha (Rake Point) to Patna is lowest which is economical compared to other locations. Patna, Purbi Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Madhubani and Gaya are the top five districts in Bihar in Sugar consumption. Optimal locations for sugar transfer coming from rake based on distance from Fatuha and consumption are Patna, Gaya, Nawada, Munger, Jamui, Nalanda, Saran, Jehanabad (EXHIBIT IV). On a date, random chosen, the wholesale price of Sugar, S 31 is lower in case of sugar which is procured from Maharashtra than produced in Bihar (Table III). Proceedings of 12th Asian Business Research Conference 8 - 9 October 2015, Novotel Hotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand ISBN: 978-1-922069-85-6 Maharashtra Rs.) 2215 Basic price difference Logistics difference wholesaler till (In Patna, Bihar (In Rs.) Difference 2655 440 335 70 -265 25 15 -10 0 -40 Total difference in Logistics, Overhead expense and Profit margin difference 125 Overhead Expense Diff profit margin of Distributor 40 difference Table III: Price Differences in Sugar of Maharashtra and Bihar, S31 Data Analysis Analyzing sugar production of states Fig. 3 of different states like Maharashtra (High Sugar Producing state), Tamil Nadu (Middle Sugar Producing state) and Bihar (Low Sugar Producing state) we can say that the sugar production fluctuation trend is the same. 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Tamil Nadu Maharashtra Bihar Figure III: Sugar Production of three states (Source: Sugar India, 2014) Sugarcane production data analysis: Four year data, 2010-11 to 2013-14 has been taken into consideration for doing analysis. In Bihar, sugarcane is cultivated in almost all districts. In this analysis it has been tried to know the sugarcane production in different districts and their contribution in total production of Bihar, mill’s sugarcane crushing capacity in respective district, categorization of districts based upon production of sugarcane etc. Top four districts of sugarcane production are Sitamarhi, East Champaran, Gopalgunj, and West champaran. These four districts comprises of on an average 78% of total sugarcane production in Bihar. West champaran alone contributes to 51% of the total sugarcane production. Proceedings of 12th Asian Business Research Conference 8 - 9 October 2015, Novotel Hotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand ISBN: 978-1-922069-85-6 Top four districts in area under production of sugarcane are Sitamarhi, East Champaran, Gopalgunj, and West champaran. These four states have on an average 76.5% of total sugarcane production area in Bihar. West champaran alone have 51% of the total sugarcane production area. Categorization of Districts based upon production of sugarcane. The districts have categorized on the basis of percentage contribution to total production in Bihar. (Based upon Sugarcane production data of 2013-14) Districts Percentage contribution Sitamarhi, East Champaran, 5% and above Gopalgunj, and West champaran Banka, Madhepura, Begusarai, Between 1 to 4.99% Samastipur, Siwan, Madhubani, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur Supaul, Arwal, Lakhisarai, Less than 1% Jehanabad, Kaimur, Katihar, Aurangabad Munger, Nawada, Nalanda, Khagaria, Araria, Rohtas, Kisangunj, Buxer, Sheikhpura, Bhojpur, Patna, Gaya, Saharsa, Purnia, Vaishali, Jamui, Saran, Darbhanga, Sivhar Total Contribution 80% 15% 5% Table IV: Categorization of Districts based upon production of sugarcane Basically there are few factors which affect sugar prices and few indicators to show how sugar prices are fluctuating in Bihar. Firstly we are going to deal with indicators to show sugar price fluctuations: Indicator: Do the relationship exist between sugar prices of Bihar and other states? To know this a correlation analysis was done between sugar prices of Bihar, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. It was found that highest correlation in prices exists between Vaishi (Maharashtra), Kolhapur (Maharashtra), Erode (Tamil Nadu) and Sugauli and Lauria (Bihar). It gives the result that around 85% variation in prices (EXHIBIT II & III – Correlation Analysis) of Bihar is explained by price variation of other states and 15% variation is regionally influenced. This 15% price variation accounts for price variation from the distributor side, local social influences etc. Standard deviation in prices of Sugar of Kolhapur (Maharashtra), Erode (Tamil Nadu) and Vaishi (Maharashtra) are Rs. 215.801, 208.187 and 215.53 respectively. In case of Bihar standard deviation is found to be Rs. 218.5. So, there is larger deviation and fluctuation in sugar prices of Bihar as compared to other states. Proceedings of 12th Asian Business Research Conference 8 - 9 October 2015, Novotel Hotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand ISBN: 978-1-922069-85-6 Factors affecting sugar price fluctuation: The Sugarcane production is also not adequate to utilize maximum capacity of plants. Only 10% of the capacity is utilized (EXHIBIT I). Not utilizing even 10% of their production capacity lead to increase in their expenses. Obsolete equipment’s and inadequate skills are the two factors resulting into closure of sugar mills in Bihar. Capacity Utilization of sugar mills just 10%. In 10% of capacity utilization 5.267 lakh tonnes of sugar is produced. As, Bihar’s expected sugar consumption is 20 Lakh tonnes. The unmet demand i.e. 14.733 Lakh tonnes are catered to by procuring sugar from other states. So, for producing the sugar demanded capacity utilization must be around 38%. Total Expected demand of Bihar Total Production inside Bihar Total procurement from outside states Present capacity utilization (a) If 100% capacity is utilized then Sugar production To produce the sugar procured from outside capacity utilization (b) To produce the estimated demand capacity utilization (a)+(b) Sugar Quantity in Lakh tonnes or percentage 20 5.267 14.733 10% 52.67 27.97% 37.97% If the total installed capacity (i.e. 100% capacity) is utilized, then the total sugar production will be 52.67 lakh tonnes. Excess of 32.67 lakh tons can be sent to other states or exported. This could also lead to surplus cash inflows for Bihar and price variations could be minimized by the supply factor. Sugar price is also affected by its transportation cost which in turn depends upon medium of transportation and distance travelled. Hence for longer distance railways is used and for shorter distance truck is used. Railway department also provides discount to the parties in case if the single party is bringing rake from the single origin for at least 3 years, they can get a discount of 15-19% of the total railway freight, trigerring some distributors are making profit on railways discount and selling it at original cost. Thus it is influencing sugar price fluctuations. Sugar is brought from distant states through Rake (Indian Railway’s Freight Train) and from nearby states by Truck as a means of Transportation. Proceedings of 12th Asian Business Research Conference 8 - 9 October 2015, Novotel Hotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand ISBN: 978-1-922069-85-6 Major States from which sugar are procured in Bihar: Distance to Patna, Bihar Medium of (Approximately) Transportation Maharashtra (Kholapur) 1800 km Railways States Uttar Pradesh 277 km (Gorakhpur) Tamil Nadu (Erode) 2700 km Truck Karnataka (Jamsakhandi) Railways 1450 Km Railways The sugar prices are also affected and are fluctuated by penalty charged by railways to the respective distributors. The purpose of the visit was to know the Railway’s policy regarding loss, theft, penalty, damage and discounts, if any, given to the distributors who bring goods from other states through Rake. It was found that Penalty is levied to the Party for: A. Damage Charges For exceeding the limit of unloading time Maximum unloading time given by the railways is 09 hours. If the goods are not unloaded within the specified time limit then penalty charge is Rs. 150 per Hr. per wagon i.e. 6300Rs per Hr. This penalty is called Damage Charge. B. Wharfage charge Wharfage charge is levied on goods/consignment not removed from railway premises after the specified time or time limit. Time limit given to a party for fetching and removing goods from station is 12hours. If concerned party has unloaded the goods and kept it on the Platform for more than 12 hours, then the penalty is charged to them. The penalty is Rs. 150 per hour per wagon. If the time exceeds more than 24hr then the wharfage charge is doubled. Railway department does not handover entire consignment until and unless whole penalty is paid. 1-2 wagon’s with consignment is generally seized by the Railways for the same. Application for Apology asking for some concession in penalty: The apology letter is addressed to anyone of the following based on the sum or amount of penalty. Up to 2 Lakh – Senior Divisional Commercial Manager 2- 5 Lakh – Divisional Railway Manager 5 Lakh above – Chief Commercial Manager After grant of penalty the party goes to the office with the receipt and the amount is transferred to his account. Proceedings of 12th Asian Business Research Conference 8 - 9 October 2015, Novotel Hotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand ISBN: 978-1-922069-85-6 What if party reports the seal is broken? When the party reports to the CGS that the seal is broken then unloading process stops. Memo is prepared which includes wagon number and the application for broken seal. Then physical counting of sacks is done in the presence of CGS, Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the concerned Party. If the sacks counting is lesser than what is expected to be then a Short Certificate is issued by divisional office. Government decides the value of the loss and the amount is credited to the party’s account. Entire process takes 3 months approximately. Railway department also provides discount to the parties in case - if the same party is bringing rake from the same origin for at least 3 years. The discount given to the respective parties is between 15-19% of the total railway freight. Recovery percentage of sugar from sugarcane is around 9% for Bihar and 11% for Maharashtra. This also increases the price of sugar produced which in turn affects the variation in prices; as sugar from other states will be available at a lower price (Commission for agricultural, cost and prices). As the Bihar’s sugar market is dominated by unorganized trading. Few middlemen are making money out of it. They usually buy sugar at lower rate from millers and then sell when the sugar rate is higher. This involves major price fluctuation in regional influence. Conclusion The key factors influencing sugar price fluctuations are explained by 85% national factors and 15% regional factors. National Factors include: sugarcane production, Demand and Supply of sugar, sugarcane pricing etc. Regional factors include distributor’s role, transportation cost, penalty to parties at Railway Rake points, recovery percentage of sugar from sugarcane. This Research was done for Bihar State. This paper would be valued by sugarcane Industries, exchange, policy makers and Government. Key recommendation for the Industries, Exchange, Policy makers and Government are given as below: If the entire capacity is utilized, then sugar production will be 52.67 lakh tonnes i.e. 19% of India’s total sugar production. Then sugar prices will not be so highly fluctuating. Government of Bihar should promote cultivation of sugarcane. So, that installed capacity of the mills could be utilized properly. As for other States we have price listing of different type of sugar produced in website like NCDEX. So, for Bihar similar pricing for every day should be done. Proceedings of 12th Asian Business Research Conference 8 - 9 October 2015, Novotel Hotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand ISBN: 978-1-922069-85-6 Trading through Exchange has a benefit of price transparency. So, Exchange should take an initiative to promote people to trade online (SPOT & FUTURE TRADE). This will reduce price variations to a great extent. Exhibits EXHIBIT I Mill’s Cane Crushing Capacity and Cane Crushed per Day (Year 2014-15 Mill Location Bagha Hari Nagar Narkatiyaganj Majhaulia Sasamusa Gopal ganj Sighwalia Riga Hasanpur Lauria Sugauli Total Cane crushing Capacity Cane Crushed (Tons cane per day) 5000 79.86 10000 125.67 7500 82.08 5000 48.47 2500 18.44 5000 38.81 5000 51.56 5000 47.95 3000 34.55 3500 25.10 3500 21.96 57500 574.45 EXHIBIT II Correlation between Sugauli (Bihar) and Kholapur(Maharashtra) /Erode (Tamil Nadu) /Vaishi (Maharashtra) Sugauli_Bihar Pearson Correlation Kholapur (Maharashtra) Erode (Tamil Nadu) Vaishi (Maharashtra) .851** .843** .853** **. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). b. Listwise N=138 Proceedings of 12th Asian Business Research Conference 8 - 9 October 2015, Novotel Hotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand ISBN: 978-1-922069-85-6 EXHIBIT III Correlation between Lauria (Bihar) and Kholapur(Maharashtra) /Erode (Tamil Nadu) /Vaishi (Maharashtra) Lauria_Bihar Pearson Correlation Kholapur (Maharashtra) Erode Vaishi (Tamil Nadu) (Maharashtra) .878** .882** .886** **. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). b. Listwise N=178 EXHIBIT IV Optimal location for Sugar Transfer, coming from rake from other States. From Fatuha to Distance Demand Patna 30.6km 5.61% Gaya 93km 4.22% Nawada 84.8km 2.13% Jamui 141km 1.69% From Fatuha to Distance Demand Munger 151km 1.31% Nalanda 69.6km 2.76% Saran 78.7km 3.80% Jehanabad 63km 1.08% Endnotes * Acknowledgement I would like to acknowledge Dr. V. Mukunda Das, Director CIMP, for his exemplary guidance, valuable feedback and constant encouragement throughout writing the research paper. His valuable suggestions were of immense help throughout this work. References Barker, Sedik, and Nagy, “FOOD PRICE FLUCTUATIONS, POLICIES AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA,” UNDP. Damor, K. (2015,May 19). Sugar prices dip to 6-year low level amid higher production. Times of India Government of Bihar, Ganna Udhog Vibhag. Sugar Production Data 2007-08 to 2014-15 McConnell, Dohlman, and Haley, “World Sugar Price Volatility Intensified by Market and Policy Factors,” Amber waves, vol. 8,pp. 28-35, September 2010. 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