Sugar Exports from Uttar Pradesh Likely to Fall by 40 Percent

28-Apr-2025 04:43 PM

Lucknow, April 28, 2025 – Despite overtaking Maharashtra to become the country's top sugar-producing state this season, Uttar Pradesh is expected to witness a decline in both total sugar production and exports during the 2024–25 marketing season. Industry analysts estimate that sugar exports from the state could drop by about 40 percent compared to previous seasons.

The government has allowed the export of 10 lakh tonnes of sugar for the entire season, but actual shipments are likely to be limited to 6–7 lakh tonnes, with Uttar Pradesh contributing approximately 3 lakh tonnes. This figure is significantly lower than the 5 lakh tonnes exported from the state during the 2022–23 season.

It is important to note that the government had banned sugar exports during the 2023–24 season to stabilize domestic supplies and control rising prices. Even though the sugar industry had lobbied for export approvals, the government remained firm due to concerns over domestic availability. Previously, during the 2021–22 season, India had achieved a record sugar export volume of 110 lakh tonnes.

Industry experts point out that this year, Uttar Pradesh may contribute around 50 percent of India's sugar exports to South-East Asian and African markets. While sugar production has sharply declined in Maharashtra and Karnataka, the decline in Uttar Pradesh has been comparatively moderate.

In the 2024–25 crushing season, total sugar production in Uttar Pradesh is estimated to decline to around 92 lakh tonnes. This is attributed to a decrease in both the average yield rate of sugarcane and the sugar recovery rate, similar to trends observed in other states.