The Indian sugar industry is witnessing promising signs of growth, as indicated by recent statistics and projections provided by Jaiprakash Dandegaonkar, President of the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories.
As of December 31, 2023, a total of 511 sugar factories across the country have crushed a staggering 1223 lakh tonnes of sugarcane, yielding an impressive 112 lakh tonnes of new sugar.
Notably, the average sugar recovery rate stands at 9.17 percent, and with the onset of winter, expectations are high for a further increase in sugar production.
The state-wise performance showcases Maharashtra taking the lead with 195 sugar mills, crushing 427 lakh tonnes of sugarcane and producing 38.20 lakh tonnes of new sugar. Following closely, Uttar Pradesh boasts 120 factories that have crushed 359 lakh tonnes of sugarcane, resulting in a production of 34.65 lakh tonnes of new sugar. Karnataka secures the third position, with 73 factories contributing to the crushing of 264 lakh tonnes of sugarcane and the production of 24 lakh tonnes of new sugar.
Uttar Pradesh maintains its dominance not only in quantity but also in quality, achieving an impressive average sugar recovery rate of 9.65 percent. Karnataka follows closely with a recovery rate of 9.10 percent, while Gujarat secures the third position with a recovery rate of 9 percent. Maharashtra, with an average sugar recovery rate of 8.95 percent, is also expected to see an increase in output due to the anticipated cold weather in January.
Looking ahead, the projections for the end of the season are optimistic. Uttar Pradesh is expected to produce a substantial 115 lakh tonnes of sugar, followed by Maharashtra with 90 lakh tonnes, Karnataka with 42 lakh tonnes, Tamil Nadu with 12 lakh tonnes, and Gujarat with 10 lakh tonnes. This totals to an anticipated production of 305 lakh tonnes of new sugar across the country.
The Managing Director of the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories, Mr. Prakash Naiknavare, highlights the potential for an additional 15 lakh tonnes in sugar production, indicating an overall increase from the initial estimate of 290 lakh tonnes.
Considering opening stock and estimated domestic consumption, there is optimism that the current restrictions on ethanol production may be eased.
The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories and the Indian Sugar Mills Association plan to collaborate in conveying these considerations to the Central Government, advocating for supportive measures to sustain and enhance the positive momentum in the sugar industry.