Domestic sugar production estimated to shrink to 280 lakh tons

17-Dec-2024 08:15 PM

The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories has projected a significant reduction in domestic sugar production for the 2024-25 season.

The estimated total production is expected to decrease by 39 lakh tons, from 319 lakh tons in the 2023-24 season to 280 lakh tons. This decline is primarily attributed to the low availability of sugarcane and a decreasing recovery rate.

As of mid-December 2024, sugar production from October 1 to December 15 was 60.85 lakh tons, which is 13.35 lakh tons lower than the 74.20 lakh tons produced in the same period last year.

Key states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, which are the largest producers, are expected to see production declines.

Uttar Pradesh's sugar output is forecast to drop from 103.65 lakh tons to 98 lakh tons, Maharashtra’s from 110.20 lakh tons to 87 lakh tons, and Karnataka’s from 53 lakh tons to 45 lakh tons.

Other states such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Bihar, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Uttarakhand are also anticipated to experience declines in production, although to a lesser extent.

The combined share of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka in total domestic sugar production is expected to fall slightly from 83.65% in the 2023-24 season to 82.14% in 2024-25.

Uttar Pradesh is poised to become the leading sugar-producing state, surpassing Maharashtra this time.