Ahmedabad: The sugar production in Gujarat is likely to dip due to the prolonged monsoon and delay in commencement of cane crushing season in the state.
As the sugarcane production is affected, therefore it is estimated that sugar production is likely to decline by 15 to 20 per cent in 2019-20 season.
According to the According to Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), 15 sugar mills were in operation, and they have produced 1.52 lakh tons of sugar till 15th December, 2019. In 2018-19 SS, as on 15th December, 2018, 16 sugar mills were in operation, and they had produced 3.10 lakh tons of sugar till that date. Delay in cane crushing season due to post-monsoon showers is largely responsible for the reduction in present production levels.
Ketanbhai Patel, vice-chairman, Federation of Gujarat State Co-operative Sugar Factories (FGSCSF) said, ” “Sugar output is expected to be lower by 15-20 per cent. We estimate it to be around 9-9.5 lakh tonne in 2019-20 season.”
Mansinh Patel, former chairman, Federation of Gujarat State Co-operative Sugar Factories (FGSCSF) said, “This year the cane crushing began in November whereas every year the season starts in October. The rain has also affected the yield, which will reduce the overall output of sugar in 2019-20.”
As per ISMA report, as on 15th December, 2019, 406 sugar mills were crushing sugarcane for the year 2019-20 Sugar Season and they have produced 45.81 lakh tons of sugar, i.e. 35% less than the sugar production on the corresponding date of previous sugar season, of 70.54 lakh tons of sugar. Last year on the corresponding date, 473 mills were operating.
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