Sugar production may rise to 23 MT in 2010-11 season

The country's sugar production may increase to meet the yearly demand of 23 million tonnes in the next 2010-11 season, a senior Food Ministry official told PTI.

"Sugar production could possibly touch the estimated demand of 23 million tonnes in the next season," the official said.

According to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF), the country's sugar production has reached at 16.7 million tonnes in the first six months of current season and is expected to be around 18 million tonnes in the entire season. Sugar season runs from October to September.

The government's confidence stems from farmers' increased interest to plant more sugarcane driven by higher prices.

The official said: "Higher cane prices are expected to encourage farmers to expand sugarcane acreage."

This year farmers in major-growing states like Uttar Pradesh have received Rs 260-300 per quintal for cane, which is more than double the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of Rs 129.84 per quintal, fixed by the Centre, he said.

Echoing the view, NFCSF Managing Director Vinay Kumar said, "Much higher than the FRP price for cane and high yield varieties may push up sugarcane output next season."

"And sugar output may easily exceed 23 million tonnes in the 2010-11 season and may reduce the country's dependence on imports," he noted.

Acreage under sugarcane may rise by 15-20 per cent in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, which make up more than 60 per cent of the country's total sugar output, he added.