It is reported by Financial Express.

Maharashtra sugar commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad said total production in the state is likely to touch 12,5 mln tonne by the end of the season, the highest till date. The state had previously reported its highest production in the 2018-19 season at 10,7 mln tonnes. Maharashtra has already diverted 1,2-1,5 mln tonnes of sugar towards ethanol production.

Gaikwad said the current season is likely to stretch over 160-180 days and may continue till the end of May or beginning of June in some regions. Normally, crushing is completed within 120 days. State cooperation minister Balasaheb Patil told the legislative assembly recently that there is a sugarcane glut in Beed, Jalna, Parbhani, and Satara districts. Experts attributed this to rise in per hectare production, which has crossed 125 tonnes per acre this season.

Till date, 19 mills have stopped crushing operations for the season. Mills in Kolhapur and Sangli are expected to finish their season by March-end, while those in Pune and Satara are likely to do so by the end of April. However, mills in Marathwada, Ahmednagar, Solapur and Nashik are expected to continue their operations till the end of May.  

Exports this season are also higher, with deals struck for 58 lakh tonne by sugar mills across the country so far. Exports are likely to touch 75 lakh tonne this season as against 60 lakh tonne in the 2020-21 season.