Sugar production drops 4.5% in 2012-13: Isma

Isma says Maharashtra produced 11% less sugar in 2012-13, Uttar Pradesh produced 7.3% more sweetener as compared to 20111-12

India produced 25.14 million tonnes of sugar in the crop season ended September 30, 2013, almost 4.5% less than the previous year's because of low rainfall in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in 2012, the Indian Sugar Mills Association (Isma) said today.

In a statement, Isma said 2.5% less sugarcane was crushed in 2012-13 crop season and the all India average recovery rate was also lower at 10.03% as compared to 10.25% previous year.

“Lower recovery and sugarcane crush was on account of last year’s lower than normal rainfall in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu,” Isma said.

In 2013-14 season, most analysts and officials feel that sugar production will be more than 25 million tonnes because of good rains in key producing states of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.

As per the first official estimates for 2013-14 crop season, sugarcane production has been estimated at 341.7 million tonnes, just 0.82% more than last year.

Meanwhile, Isma said that Maharashtra produced 11% less sugar in 2012-13, while Uttar Pradesh produced 7.3% more sweetener as compared to 20111-12. Both Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, produce more than 80% of the sugar produced in the country.