The country’s sugar production is projected to increase by 13 per cent to 310 lakh tonnes in the new season 2020-21, according to the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA). Estimates of sugar production after diverting about 20 tons of sugarcane juice and B molasses for ethanol production have been released. Sugar production fell to 274.20 lakh tonnes in October-September last year using 8 tonnes of sugarcane in ethanol.
With more production expected for the 2020-21 season, ISMA said India would need to continue exporting an average surplus of 6 million tonnes this season. According to ISMA’s preliminary estimates, the decline in sugar production due to conversion of sugarcane juice and B molasses to ethanol has led to a decline in sugar production in 2020-21.
According to earlier advance estimates, Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer state. However, due to heavy rains this year, production fell marginally to 124.5 lakh tonnes from 126.30 lakh tonnes in the previous year. Maharashtra is the second-largest producer where production could increase to 108 lakh tonnes from 61.60 lakh tonnes in the previous year.
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In Karnataka, production will increase to 46.0 lakh tonnes from 34.90 lakh tonnes in the previous year. Production is projected to increase by 19 per cent due to the increase in the area under sugarcane cultivation. Production in Tamil Nadu will be 7.51 lakh tonnes as compared to last year. The other producing states together will produce a total of 33.28 lakh tonnes. As on October 1, the opening stock stood at 106.40 lakh tonnes. The government needs to increase export quotas. It also depends on the global market price.
Sugar production in Gujarat will exceed 11 lakh tonnes
With the increase in sugarcane acreage in Gujarat and good rains, the sugar production will be 10.81 lakh tonnes as per the preliminary estimate as against 9.32 lakh tonnes in the previous year. Can reach a million tons.
Exports will have to increase to 6 million tonnes
With the increase in sugar production in the country, the initial stock has plummeted to 106.40 lakh tonnes, which will push the total supply to more than 415 lakh tonnes.
Sugar production status
State | 2020-21 | 2019-20 |
Uttar Pradesh | 124.5 | 126.3 |
Maharashtra | 108 | 61.6 |
Karnataka | 46 | 34.9 |
Tamil Nadu | 7.51 | — |
Gujarat | 10.81 | 9.32 |
Others | 33.28 | — |
Total | 310 | 274.2 |
(Note: Statistics in lakh tonnes)