Sugar production in Karnataka, the country’s third-largest producer, is expected to witness a decline of 42.30% to 34.51 lakh metric tonnes during the 2023-24 sugar season, which commenced this month. This downturn is attributed to anticipated reduced cane output and decreased sugar recovery rates. In the previous 2022-23 season, Karnataka produced 59.81 lakh metric tonnes of sugar.
According to the news agency PTI, the state government’s estimates indicate that sugarcane production in Karnataka is expected to dip to 520 lakh metric tonnes in 2023-24, a notable decrease from the 705 lakh metric tonnes recorded in the previous season. Similarly, the available sugarcane for crushing is projected to be lower at 442 lakh metric tonnes compared to 603.55 lakh metric tonnes in the previous period.
As a result, the overall sugar production within the state is expected to reach 34.51 lakh metric tonnes in 2023-24, marking a substantial decline from the 59.81 lakh metric tonnes in the previous season. Sugar recovery rates are also expected to drop to 8% this season, down from the 9.91% achieved in 2022-23.
