As of December 15, 2024, sugarcane crushing and sugar production are in full swing across 472 sugar factories nationwide, with a total of 720 lakh tonnes of sugarcane crushed. Sugar production has reached 61 lakh tonnes with an average recovery rate of 8.50%, says apex sugra co-op body National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories.
However, compared to last year, crushing is lower by 131 lakh tonnes as operations in 29 factories have yet to commence, leading to a shortfall of 13.50 lakh tonnes in sugar production. The average sugar recovery rate has also dipped by 0.25%.
Despite this, favorable weather conditions, including bright sunlight and cold temperatures, are expected to yield an additional 280 lakh tonnes of sugar by season’s end, though this figure remains 39 lakh tonnes less than last year’s production of 319 lakh tonnes. Additionally, 40 lakh tonnes of sugar will be diverted for ethanol production.
Shri Harshvardhan Patil, President of the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories, noted progress on key industry issues. Discussions on increasing the minimum selling price of sugar and the purchase price of ethanol are being fast-tracked, with decisions anticipated in two to three weeks. Regarding sugar exports, a central government decision will follow a production review in January 2025.
