Sugar production in Maharashtra is predicted to drop by 7%
Maharashtra's sugar production is projected to drop 7% in 2024-25 due to rain deficits, potentially raising food inflation and affecting exports.
It is reported by Hindustan Times.
Maharashtra, which accounts for more than a third of India’s sugar output, is expected to see a drop of 7% in sugar production in the 2024-25 crop year owing to rain deficit last monsoon which has led to lower cane yields.
Experts say the production is expected to drop to 10,2 million tonnes in 2024-25 from 11 million tonnes the previous year 2023-24. This could lead to higher food inflation and discourage sugar exports from India.
The Ministry of Cooperation presented the estimated production between November 2024 and March 2025 before deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Monday.
The 2024-25 crushing season in Maharashtra is delayed and is expected to start after November 15 due to lower sugarcane availability and the state assembly elections.
The department is expecting 100,4 million tonnes of sugarcane cultivated in 1,167 million hectares, to be available for the crushing to begin on November 15.
In 2023-24; 208 sugar factories crushed 107,6 million tonnes and produced 11,02 million tonnes, which was highest in the country, followed by Uttar Pradesh which produced 10,365 million tonnes.