Mumbai 02-December, (Commoditiescontrol) India’s sugar production since October 1 has fallen to 2.79 million metric tons, a sharp 35.4% year-on-year decline, as mills in Maharashtra and Karnataka delayed crushing operations, the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSF) reported on Monday.
The slump in early-season output may compel the world’s second-largest sugar producer to withhold export quotas, potentially supporting global sugar prices.
Maharashtra, a major sugar hub, saw its production drop 66% year-on-year to 460,000 tons during the first two months of the season. Karnataka's output also declined, falling 36% to 700,000 tons. Uttar Pradesh, the country’s largest sugar-producing state, reported a marginal 1% decline, producing 1.29 million tons.
Crushing operations were delayed in Maharashtra and Karnataka but are expected to gain momentum soon, according to NFCSF Managing Director Prakash Naiknavare. The slower start has also led to fewer operational mills, with 381 mills beginning crushing by the end of November, compared to 433 during the same period last year.
India’s sugar production for the 2024/25 season is estimated at 28 million tons, down from 31.9 million tons last year, NFCSF projected. The reduced output highlights the potential implications for both domestic markets and export allocations amid global supply uncertainties.
(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau; +91-9820130172)