Sugar output up at 25.5 million tonne this year surpasses govt estimate

Target would be easily achieved as 39 mills still operational in Tamil Nadu, crushing to restart in Karnataka in August

Sugar production has surpassed the government's projection of 25.2 million tonnes in the 2011-12 marketing year so far.

According to the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), mills have produced 25.5 million tonnes of sugar till May of the 2011-12 marketing year (October-September), higher by 8 per cent from the year-ago period.

Sugar production so far this year has already crossed the last year's total output of 24.3 million tonnes.

ISMA, which has pegged sugar production at 26 million tonnes for this year, said: "Another 0.5 million tonnes of sugar is expected to be produced in the balance period of current year in two states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka."

It said that production target of 26 million tonnes would be easily achieved as 39 mills are still operational in Tamil Nadu and crushing would restart in Karnataka in August.

In most states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, crushing operation has ended, the industry body said in a statement.

Sugar production in Maharashtra, the country's top sugar producing state, has risen marginally to 8.96 million tonnes till May this year with higher cane recovery rate of 11.64%.

Similarly, sugar output in Uttar Pradesh has increased by 18% to 6.95 million tonnes in the reviewed period despite lower cane recovery of 9.07%.

Sugar production in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has touched 3.72 million tonnes and 1.8 million tonnes, respectively, so far this year, it added.

In view of higher production, the government has permitted export of 3 million tonnes in equal tranches this year.