Sugar production declined by more than 18 percent till mid-April

17-Apr-2025 10:54 AM

New Delhi. Sugar production in India has fallen sharply in the current marketing season. According to data from the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF), sugar output from October 1, 2024 to April 15, 2025 dropped to 254.25 lakh tonnes — a decline of 18.42% compared to the same period last year.

The fall in production has been most severe in the top three producing states — Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka — which together account for over 80% of the country’s sugar output.

The number of operational sugar mills also fell drastically to just 37 by mid-April, compared to 74 last year.

In the first half of April alone, production dropped from over 11 lakh tonnes in March to less than 6 lakh tonnes.

In terms of state-wise output, Uttar Pradesh saw production fall to 90.95 lakh tonnes (from 101.70 lakh tonnes), Maharashtra to 80.65 lakh tonnes (from 109.15), and Karnataka to 40.40 lakh tonnes (from 51.40).

By now, 496 sugar mills have closed across the country, and crushing activity is slowing at the remaining units.

NFCSF estimates total sugar production this season to decline to 259 lakh tonnes — 19% less than last year’s 319 lakh tonnes — and possibly lower than domestic consumption levels.

Additionally, total sugarcane crushed fell from 3066.20 lakh tonnes last year to 2713.28 lakh tonnes this year, while the average recovery rate dropped from 10.28% to 9.37%.