Uttar Pradesh: Sugar output drops by 12.12 lakh quintals in district, causing estimated Rs 484 crore loss
Saharanpur’s sugar production dropped 24% year-on-year to 38.49 lakh quintals, causing an estimated Rs 484 crore loss. Unseasonal rainfall and crop diseases reduced output, though sugar recovery improved to 10.39%. Authorities are promoting high-yielding sugarcane varieties to support future production.
The sugar economy in the district has lost some of its momentum this season as final figures released after the close of the crushing season revealed a sharp fall in sugar production, raising concerns among both sugarcane farmers and sugar mills.
Compared to the previous year, the district recorded a decline of 12.12 lakh quintals in sugar production. Based on current market prices, the shortfall is estimated to represent a loss of nearly Rs 484 crore. Unseasonal rainfall and the spread of sugarcane diseases are being seen as the main reasons behind the decline, Amar Ujala reported.
The district has a total of eight sugar mills, although crushing operations were conducted in only seven mills this season. Operations at Todarpur mill could not begin, and its allocated sugarcane was redirected to other mills.
During the season, sugar mills procured 370.62 lakh quintals of sugarcane, out of which 370.34 lakh quintals were crushed.
After completion of crushing, total sugar production in the district stood at 38.49 lakh quintals, significantly lower than last year’s production of 50.61 lakh quintals.
At an average market rate of Rs 40 per kilogram of sugar, one quintal is valued at around Rs 4,000. With production falling by 12.12 lakh quintals this season, the estimated value of the reduced output comes to nearly Rs 484 crore.
Industry officials consider unseasonal rainfall to be one of the main reasons behind the decline in sugar output. Crop disease also contributed to lower production.
Despite the fall in sugar production, the district recorded an increase in sugarcane cultivation area compared with the 2024–25 season.
Sugarcane survey work in the district will continue until June 30. Authorities are also conducting awareness efforts to encourage farmers to adopt improved and high-yielding sugarcane varieties.
Although total sugar production declined across the district’s seven operational sugar mills, sugar recovery performance improved compared with last year.
During the 2024–25 crushing season, sugar recovery stood at 9.83 percent, meaning that every quintal of sugarcane produced 9.83 kilograms of sugar.
This season, sugar recovery increased to 10.39 percent, indicating that nearly half a kilogram more sugar was produced from each quintal of cane than in the previous year.
District Sugarcane Officer Shailendra Kumar Srivastava said multiple factors contributed to the decline in sugar production.
He added that efforts are underway to encourage farmers to adopt improved sugarcane varieties and that the sugarcane survey process is continuing.
To Read more about Sugar Industry continue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : ChiniMandi
