India’s sugar production has seen a marginal decline to 280.79 lakh tonnes by 15 March 2024, compared to 282.60 lakh tonnes during the same period last year, according to data released by the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA).
The sugar marketing year in India runs from October to September, and the latest figures reflect the progress of the 2023-24 season. ISMA stated, “Sugar production till 15th March 2024 in the current 2023-24 season reached 280.79 lakh tonnes, against 282.60 lakh tonnes produced last year on the corresponding date.”
The number of operational sugar factories as of 15 March this year increased to 371, up from 325 mills during the same period last year. Uttar Pradesh witnessed a notable increase in sugar production, reaching 88.40 lakh tonnes compared to 79.63 lakh tonnes during the corresponding period.
However, sugar output in Maharashtra marginally declined to 100.50 lakh tonnes from 101.92 lakh tonnes, while Karnataka also saw a decrease in production to 47.55 lakh tonnes from 53.50 lakh tonnes.
ISMA recently projected sugar production for the entire 2023-24 marketing year at around 323 lakh tonnes, factoring in a diversion of 17 lakh tonnes towards ethanol manufacturing from sugarcane juice/B-heavy molasses. Last year, net sugar production stood at 328.2 lakh tonnes, with a diversion of 38 lakh tonnes of sweetener for ethanol-making from sugarcane juice and B-heavy molasses.
ISMA revised its estimates for gross sugar production upwards to 340 lakh tonnes in the marketing year ending September, compared to 366.2 lakh tonnes in the previous year.
The central government’s decision to increase the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane growers by Rs 25 to Rs 340 per quintal for the 2024-25 season starting October 2024 was announced last month.
These developments reflect the dynamics within India’s sugar industry, which continues to navigate through production fluctuations and policy changes impacting both producers and consumers.
