★ Production is estimated to be 5.3% higher than the previous season and, if realised, would be the second-largest crop on record.

Improved weather conditions and an expansion in harvested area are expected to support output. Average yield is projected to rise 3.4% to about 77.75 tonnes per hectare, while the harvested area may increase 1.9% to 9.1 million hectares.

★ Region-wise, the Southeast—the main producing region—is expected to produce 459.1 million tonnes (4591 lakh tonnes), up 6.8%. Output in the Center-West is projected at 154.5 million tonnes (1545 lakh tonnes), Northeast at 55.2 million tonnes (552 lakh tonnes, +3.7%), and South at 36.2 million tonnes (362 lakh tonnes). In the North, production is estimated at 4.2 million tonnes (42 lakh tonnes), up 9.7% on better yields.

★ Overall, favorable weather and increased acreage are likely to drive a strong rise in Brazil’s sugarcane production.