Sugar production in 2012-13 is estimated to be about two crore 46 lakh tonnes. This is sufficient to meet the domestic needs. Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Prof. K.V. Thomas said this in the Lok Sabha today. In a written reply, he said export of sugar is not viable at present due to global surplus and its low prices in international market. As a result, sugar prices in the country will remain stable. To discourage cheap imports of sugar, a moderate import duty of ten percent has been imposed on raw, white and refined sugar since July last year. Also, the de-regulation of the sugar sector is likely to improve the financial condition of the sugar mills. With increasing cash flow, the sugar mills will be in a position to make better payment of cane price to the sugarcane farmers across the country. The Minister said consumers below poverty line will continue getting sugar at the existing retail issue price of 13 rupees 50 paise per kilogram. The Centre would continue to determine the Fair and Remunerative Price of sugarcane to protect the interest of sugarcane farmers, Prof. Thomas said.