Season 2024-25: India’s sugar output at 25.82 million tonnes till July
India’s sugar production dropped by 18.38% to 25.82 million tonnes in 2024–25 due to reduced cane availability, weather issues, ethanol diversion, and pests. Key states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh saw sharp declines. NFCSFL expects recovery next season and seeks policy support for ethanol, exports, and sugar prices.
India’s sugar production has dropped by 18.38% to 25.82 million tonnes as of July in the current season 2024-25, compared to the same period last year. This decline comes as major sugar-producing states reported lower output, according to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSF).
The cooperative body forecasts the total sugar production for the season to reach 26.11 million tonnes, which is lower than the 31.9 million tonnes produced in the 2023-24 season, reported PTI.
Special crushing operations are currently underway in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, from June to September, and are expected to add some additional tonnes to the overall production.
The NFCSFL also reported that Uttar Pradesh, India’s largest sugar-producing state, saw a decline in output to 9.27 million tonnes as of July, down from 10.36 million tonnes last year. Maharashtra, the second-largest producer, experienced a sharper fall, with output dropping to 8.09 million tonnes from 11 million tonnes, while Karnataka’s production decreased to 4.06 million tonnes from 5.16 million tonnes.
The decline in production is attributed to a combination of reduced sugarcane availability, adverse weather conditions, a rise in the diversion of sugarcane for ethanol production, and pest and disease outbreaks.
Looking forward, the NFCSFL expects sugar production to reach 35 million tonnes in the 2025-26 season, citing favorable monsoons, increased sugarcane cultivation in Maharashtra and Karnataka, and a timely increase in the Fair and Remunerative Price by the government.
The federation has called for policy measures, including revised ethanol procurement prices, higher minimum selling prices for sugar, and permission for sugar exports to manage excess inventory as per capita consumption declines due to growing health awareness.
“These steps are essential to safeguard the financial health of sugar mills, preserve rural jobs, and ensure India continues to progress in both the ethanol and cooperative sectors,” said Prakash Naiknavare, Managing Director of NFCSFL.
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Source : Chinimandi
