Kolhapur: The sugar season in Maharashtra is expected to start late this year, as the state’s sugarcane production is expected to drop, reported Agrowon.
The crushing season is likely to begin in the middle of November. So far, no sugar mill has demanded that the season be started early.
The decision to start the season will be taken at a meeting of the Minister’s Committee.
Compared to last year, there is not much increase in sugarcane area this year. The real concern is the production drop.
Even the districts of Western Maharashtra, which have a good water supply, are facing water shortages. The administration has been forced to release water from the Koyna Dam in Sangli district due to water shortage.
In particular, the three-and-a-half months of the monsoon season, except for the 15 days of July, were dry, which is likely to have a major impact on sugarcane.
In addition to Western Maharashtra, the monsoons have disappointed sugarcane growers in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. The production drop is still unknown.
At present, the agriculture departments of all sugar mills are in a state of confusion over planning. In addition to water scarcity, the spread of pests has put the sugarcane fields in crisis.
The mills are in the mindset of starting the season only after Diwali. The laborers are also willing to come only after the festival.
