Kolhapur: Sugar millers are urging the central government to lift the export ban on sugar and ease restrictions on ethanol production for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This request aims to prevent a potential drop in sugar prices and maintain market availability.
The mills’ demand follows a successful crushing season that saw production rise. A total of 207 mills in the state produced 110 lakh tonnes of sugar in 2023-24, exceeding the 105 lakh tonnes produced in 2022-23.
The crushing season began in November 2023 and ended on May 15th, 2024. Initially, experts predicted a significant decline in sugarcane production for 2023-24. However, unseasonal rains between October and December boosted output. Additionally, the sugar recovery rate improved to 10.27% in 2023-24 compared to 9.98% the previous season.
Mills crushed 1,073 lakh tonnes of sugarcane in 2023-24, up from 1,055 lakh tonnes crushed in 2022-23.
Industry leaders believe the central government anticipated a sugar production shortfall due to the export ban and ethanol production limitations. Consequently, the government might set an ethanol blending target for the 2024-25 season (specific figures are yet to be announced) to guarantee sufficient sugar availability and stable prices during upcoming elections.
According to the news report published in The Times of India, Sharad Lad, chairman of Kranti Sugars in Sangli district, highlighted that his mill crushed 11 lakh tonnes of sugarcane, the highest in a decade.”The government’s estimates were off the mark,” Lad remarked. “At least now, they should allow us to export sugar. International sugar prices are currently at ₹40 per kg. We are only left with this opportunity to make up for the expenses and help farmers get good returns in next season.”
