It is reported by Business Standard.

In the just-concluded crushing cycle, sugar output in the state fell nearly 1,9 per cent compared to the production of a little over 12 million tonnes in 2017-18.

However, the state's sugar recovery ratio improved, which partly made up for rather low crushing of cane by mills this season. Although, net cane purchase by all 119 sugar mills in UP fell 7,25 per cent, yet sugar output dipped by a much lower ratio of 1,9 per cent compared to last year.

Interestingly, sugar production in UP this season was earlier pegged at much higher level of 12,4 million tonnes due to estimates of higher sugarcane acreage and production of 2,8 million hectares (MH) and 213 million tonnes, respectively.

Meanwhile, the state mills, especially private sector-owned, are saddled with high arrears worth Rs 10,000 crore (10 mln dollars). 

In November 2018, the state government had kept the state cane price for common variety unchanged at Rs 315 per quintal (4,35 dollars) (100 kg), thus providing relief to mills amid falling sugar exports, stockpile, mounting arrears and subdued market prices.

Recently, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had asked private sugar mills to settle farmers’ dues by August 2019 and warned that any further delay would not be tolerated, consequently indicating tough action being contemplated against defaulters.

The payments ratio of government-controlled cooperative mills stands at 85 per cent and the private units at 70 per cent. This season, 119 sugar mills, including 94 private, 24 cooperative and a UP State Sugar Corporation unit, had participated in the crushing season.

The payments situation would improve in the coming days, as the crushing season now is over and there would be no fresh addition in the outstanding amount. The deputy cane commissioners have already been directed to prepare a roadmap for ensuring the farmers’ payments.