Uttar Pradesh is the largest cane and sugar producer in the country. But this season the state is likely to witness low sugar production as compared to the previous season.
The experts state that the diversion of sugar to ethanol production and the rising disease and pest infestation are the major reasons for the declined sugar output. Apart from this, the state has also registered dwindling sugar recovery.
According to the industry body Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), sugar production in UP is likely to be 102 lakh tonnes as against 110.59 lakh tonnes in last year.
As per the government data, in the current season, mills have produced 82.28 lakh tonnes of sugar by crushing 817.01 lakh tonnes of sugarcane till March 23.
