New Delhi, March 31 (IANS). According to data released on Monday from the Indian Sugar and Bio Energy Manufacturing Association (ISMA), sugar production has reached 247.61 lakh tonnes by 31 March 2024-25 with 95 mills across the country.
According to the ISMA, sugar production in the country continues as expected, there is no obstruction of supply.
About 48 mills in Uttar Pradesh are still in operation. Due to better yield of plant sugarcane, sugarcane availability has improved and these mills are expected to be operational from mid -April 2025 to end.
In addition, according to the ISMA statement, the second half of the season has also improved the sugar recovery, resulting in more sugar production.
Some factories in South Karnataka are expected to resume operations during the special season from June/July to September 2025.
The ISMA said that historically, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu collectively contribute about 4 lakh tonnes of sugar in the special season.
According to the compiled state -wise data of ISMA, sugar production in Uttar Pradesh has reached 87.5 lakh tonnes by 31 March. This is followed by 80.06 lakh tonnes in Maharashtra, 39.55 lakh tonnes in Karnataka, 8.21 lakh tonnes in Gujarat and 4.16 lakh tonnes of sugar in Tamil Nadu.
At the same time, the remaining 28.13 lakh tonnes are credited to “other states”.
According to the ISMA statement, the data does not include the sugar, which is diverted for ethanol production.
The ISMA had earlier stated that after intensive review by its Executive Committee on March 12, 2025, pure sugar production estimates were revised to 264 lakh tonnes after diverting 35 million tonnes for ethanol production.
“Despite the decrease in production in some areas, the association has assured that the availability of sugar will easily meet domestic demand,” the statement said.
The ISMA said it is optimistic about the upcoming 2025-26 session due to favorable weather conditions and better planting.
The 2024 monsoon has promoted sugarcane planting, especially in Maharashtra and Karnataka, which has prepared the stage for the time of crushing season in October 2025.
In Uttar Pradesh and other northern states, efforts to change the varieties of sugarcane are already showing promising results.
The ISMA further said that the recent decision announced by the Government of India on January 20, 2025, which allowed exports of 1 million tonnes of sugar for the current season, has greatly benefited the industry.
This policy has helped the mill owners to balance domestic Chinese stocks by providing financial stability. At the same time, time exports have allowed mills to pay on time, which has benefited 5.5 crore farmers and their families.
-IANS
SKT/
