India sugar production falls by 20 lakh tonnes, sugar recovery declines
India’s sugar production in the 2024-25 season has dropped by 13.66% as of January 15, 2025, with an expected total decline of 50 lakh tonnes. Adverse weather, diseases, and delayed operations have impacted sugar recovery, especially in Karnataka. The sugar industry is urging the government to raise the minimum selling price (MSP) and ethanol prices to mitigate these challenges.
Sugar production has faced a setback this year due to diseases and adverse weather conditions affecting the sugarcane crop. In the current crushing season (2024-25), up to January 15, the country’s sugar production has declined by 20.65 lakh tonnes or 13.66 percent against the same period last season. By the end of the season, sugar production is expected to drop by approximately 50 lakh tonnes.
According to the data from National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited (NFCSF), sugar production in the country has reached 130.55 lakh tonnes as of January 15, compared to 151.20 lakh tonnes during the same period last year. Total sugar production for the current season is estimated to be 270 lakh tonnes, down from 319 lakh tonnes in the previous season. This is in addition to the sugar diverted for ethanol production.
As on date, 507 sugar mills are operational this season, compared to 524 mills last year. The sugarcane crop has been affected by red rot and other diseases. Additionally, severe heat followed by a late onset of winter delayed the commencement of sugar mill operations, contributing to the decline in production.
In Uttar Pradesh, the country’s largest sugar-producing state, production till January 15 has decreased from 46.10 lakh tonnes last year to 42.85 lakh tonnes. Maharashtra has produced 43.05 lakh tonnes of sugar compared to 52.80 lakh tonnes in the same period last year. In Karnataka, production stands at 27.10 lakh tonnes, down from 31 lakh tonnes last year.
Sugar recovery from sugarcane has also declined. By January 15, the average sugar recovery in the country was 8.81%, compared to 9.37% during the same period last year. In Uttar Pradesh, sugar recovery dropped from 9.90% to 9.05%, while in Maharashtra, it declined from 8.95% to 8.80%.
The steepest decline in sugar recovery has been observed in Karnataka, where recovery dropped from 9.60% last year to 8.50% this year. Excessive rainfall in Karnataka further affected the sugarcane crop.
The decline in sugar production and recovery poses a significant challenge for the sugar industry. As a result, the industry is urging the government to increase the minimum selling price (MSP) of sugar and the price of ethanol.
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Source : Rural Voice
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