The sugarcane crushing season has gained momentum in India, although sugar production is still lower compared to the previous season. According to data released by Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), sugar production till 29th February, 2024 in the current 2023-24 SS reached 255.38 lac tons, against 258.48 lac tons produced last year, end of Feb, 2023. Number of operating factories were 466 this year against 447 mills which operated last year at the same time (28th February’2023).
In the current season, rate of closure of mills in Maharashtra and Karnataka is slower than last year, indicating that tail of the season could be longer this year in these states. So far, a total of 49 factories have closed across these two states this year against 74 factories closed last year on the corresponding date. Overall, 65 factories have closed their crushing operations across the country against 86 closed last year, as of end of February.
- Following table gives state-wise detail of sugar production this year vis a vis last year:
