Maharashtra had produced 138 lakh tonnes of sugar in the 2021-22 season, a record in the state’s history. The state, which accounts for more than one third of the country’s sugar production, was looking to break this record in the current season due to equally high planting of sugarcane. However, as the crushing season is half over, it has become clear that the sugar production will be lower than the previous year.
Acting on the early signs about an adverse impact on the sugarcane crop due to erratic monsoon, the central government has put a quantitative restriction on exports by allowing a quota of 60 lakh tonnes as a first tranche of sugar exports. The food ministry officials had said that they would consider the demand for a second tranche of sugar exports after taking stock of the current year’s production status.
The sugar commissionerate of Maharashtra had held a meeting with the sugar mills this week and is in the process of finalising its revised production estimate. Shekhar Gaikwad, commissioner (sugar), Maharashtra said, “Although the area planted under cane is similar to last year, per acre productivity of sugarcane has declined by about 20% in Marathwada region and by about 2-5% in many other districts. The diversion of sugar for ethanol is also expected to increase. These two factors are likely to cut sugar production to 129-130 lakh tonnes.”