Sugar production is low because of late start of crushing in Karnataka, Maharashtra

Sugar production during the current season that started on October 1, 2024 is 61.39 lakh tonnes till December 15 as against 74.05 lakh tonnes during the same period last year.

The Indian Sugar and Bio Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said in a press release that 477 factories were operating now compared with 496 last year. “This year, sugar factories in Karnataka started late by around 7-12 days while in another major State Maharashtra, mills started late by 15 – 20 days, as compared to last year. However, the number of operating factories and the corresponding crush rate is picking up at a faster rate,” it said.

Sugar diversion towards ethanol is estimated to be higher at around 40 lakh tonnes compared with 21.5 lakh tonnes last year.

In Uttar Pradesh, 117 factories have crushed 23.04 lakh tonnes, which is almost a lakh tonnes higher than last year. However, in Maharashtra 183 are in operation as against 191 last year. Migrant workers were not available for cane crushing in Maharashtra because of the State elections. In Karnataka, the fields were wet due to late rains and the mills started crushing only by November 8, the Association said.