Delay in sugarcane crushing has led to a decline in sugar production in the first 6 weeks of the current season: NFCSF

16-Nov-2024 09:41 AM

Delay in sugarcane crushing has led to a decline in sugar production in the first 6 weeks of the current season: NFCSF
The delay in sugarcane crushing has significantly impacted sugar production in India, especially in the first six weeks of the current season. According to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF), sugar production during this period has dropped sharply compared to last year.

Decline in Sugar Production: In the first six weeks of the 2024-25 season, sugar production has decreased from 12.7 lakh tonnes last year to just 7.1 lakh tonnes this year.

Reduction in Crushing Mills: The number of sugar mills crushing sugarcane has also decreased significantly. As of November 15, 144 mills are operating, down from 264 mills during the same period last year.

Mills in Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, a major sugar-producing state, mills have not started crushing sugarcane yet. Last year, 103 mills were already crushing by mid-November, with a sugar recovery rate of 7.82%.

Other States Affected: There has been a decrease in the number of operating mills in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh as well, contributing to the overall decline in production.

Projected Annual Decline: The NFCSF predicts that sugar production for the 2024-25 season may fall from 319 lakh tonnes in 2023-24 to around 280 lakh tonnes.

Karnataka's Sugar Production: Karnataka, one of the major sugarcane-producing states, has seen a substantial reduction in production. Sugar output in the state has dropped from 53.75 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 to just 26.25 lakh tonnes in 2023-24.

This decline in sugar production can be attributed to a combination of delayed crushing and fewer mills operating, which could affect both domestic supply and export prospects for India, one of the world's largest sugar producers.