India’s sugar production has fallen by 18.42% this season, with major states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka experiencing significant declines. As of April 15, total production stood at 254.25 lakh tonnes, down from last year’s figures.
The decline is largely attributed to factors like lower sugarcane yield and factory closures. A total of 496 sugar mills have shut down crushing operations, compared to 461 mills last year. This has led to fewer mills contributing to national production, resulting in a shortfall of sugar output.
India’s estimated sugar consumption (285-290 lakh tonnes) surpasses the projected production of 259 lakh tonnes. The country’s sugar recovery rate has also fallen to 9.37%, indicating reduced efficiency in sugar extraction. The ongoing decline in sugar production calls for government intervention to support the sector and stabilize prices.
