Indias sugar production rises to 273.5 lakh tonnes

Sugar productions till March 15 were at 273.47 lakh tonnes as against 258.2 lakh tonnes in the corresponding period in the last sugar season representing 6 per cent growth, said a release issued by the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA).

Sugar produced in the state of Maharashtra was around 100 lakh tonnes, which is nearly 6.6 per cent higher than the corresponding period in the previous year. Of the total sugar mills, around 85 have completed crushing and 110 mills are still in operation. While the sugar production of Uttar Pradesh was flat at 84.14 lakh tonnes as against the corresponding period in the previous season.

Karnataka has recorded a near 20 per cent growth in production than the previous season so far. As against 35.10 lac tonnes produced till March 15 last year, 67 mills in the south Indian state produced 42.45 lac tonnes of sugar and 11 mills are still continuing crushing operations, the ISMA release said.

On the other hand, the Union government gave relief to stress sugar players by extending the soft loan window by another four weeks. This would bring down some pressure for mills who are facing stiff competition and piling arrears.