Decline in sugar production in all three major producing states

01-Jan-2025 01:55 PM

The latest data reveals a significant decline in sugar production in India during the 2024-25 marketing season, especially in the three major sugar-producing states—Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. According to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd., sugar production nationwide has fallen by 15.7%, from 112.80 lakh tonnes in the previous season (2023-24) to 95.10 lakh tonnes in the current season.

In the three top producing states:

• Uttar Pradesh: Sugar production decreased from 34.65 lakh tonnes to 32.60 lakh tonnes.
• Maharashtra: Production fell sharply from 38.20 lakh tonnes to 29.90 lakh tonnes.
• Karnataka: A drop was also observed here, from 24.00 lakh tonnes to 20.55 lakh tonnes.

Other states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu also saw reductions, with Gujarat's production declining from 3.90 lakh tonnes to 2.60 lakh tonnes, and Tamil Nadu's from 2.60 lakh tonnes to 95,000 tonnes. Additionally, states such as Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Andhra-Telangana saw either stable or reduced production.

The number of operational sugar mills in Maharashtra decreased from 203 to 190, while Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka experienced slight increases in the number of operational mills, from 120 to 121 and 73 to 77, respectively. Nationally, the number of operational mills declined from 518 to 493.

The total crushing of sugarcane also dropped from 1229.91 lakh tonnes to 1095.65 lakh tonnes, indicating reduced production capacity across the country.

This decline in sugar production could be due to a variety of factors, including weather conditions, crop yields, and market dynamics. The drop in production in key states could have significant implications for both the sugar industry and consumers in India.