Status of sugarcane crop season 24-25 in different areas.
03-Dec-2024 11:22 AM
Status of sugarcane crop season 24-25 in different areas.
The sugarcane crop for the 2024-25 season in India is facing several challenges, leading to concerns over the overall sugar production. Here's a detailed update on the situation across different regions:
Key Points of the Sugarcane Season 2024-25:
Regional Impact:
Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka together contribute to 80% of India's sugarcane production.
Maharashtra and North Karnataka faced drought conditions until September 23, which led to a reduction in the area under sugarcane cultivation. However, the situation improved significantly with the onset of heavy rains from the end of 2023 through the monsoon season of 2024, which provided relief.
Uttar Pradesh is experiencing challenges such as red rot (rotting of sugarcane) and insect attacks, which have negatively affected the crop's health and productivity in several areas.
Challenges Across Regions:
Despite the rains, overall crop health has been compromised due to various issues such as water stress, pest infestation, and disease, impacting productivity across most regions. This indicates that the crop is not as robust as expected, leading to a reduction in sugar yield.
Sugar Production Figures:
The sugar season started later than usual, with the crushing season commencing from October 1.
By the end of November 30, sugar production stood at 27.9 lakh tonnes, a significant decrease compared to 43.2 lakh tonnes produced during the same period in the previous year.
This sharp decline in production is also reflected in the number of sugar mills in operation: only 381 mills are active this season, compared to 433 mills last year. This reduction in the number of operational mills suggests that some mills may not have sufficient raw material to operate at full capacity.
Ethanol Production Impact:
A substantial portion of the sugar produced this season, around 40 to 45 lakh tonnes, will be diverted to ethanol production. This will reduce the amount of sugar available for the domestic market.
This diversion for ethanol could lead to a further dip in overall sugar production, with the total sugar production estimated to reach 280 lakh tonnes for the season.
Outlook:
Sugar production is expected to be lower this season due to the combined effects of delayed crushing, disease outbreaks, pest attacks, and reduced crop area.
The reduced sugar output, coupled with the growing demand for ethanol, may put pressure on domestic sugar availability and prices.
Conclusion:
The sugarcane crop for the 2024-25 season in India faces multiple challenges, including regional droughts, disease, insect infestations, and a late start to the season. As a result, sugar production has decreased compared to last year, and there are strong indications that the total sugar output for this season will be lower than expected. Additionally, the diversion of sugar for ethanol production further compounds the situation, leading to tighter sugar supplies.