ISMA raises sugar output estimate by 4% to 26 mn tonnes due to good monsoon

Mills' body alarmed at likely fall in price; ask govt to negotiate for export to neighbouring countries

With a sharp increase in output in the first three months of the current cane crushing season, the Indian Sugar Mills Association (Isma) has raised the country's production forecast by four per cent or one million tonnes to 26.1 mt for 2017-18 (October-September).

 
It has also begun lobbying with the government on early measures to check a likely fall in prices, suggesting opening the door for export.
 
Total sugar production was reported at 10.33 mt in the December quarter this year, compared to 8.19 mt in the same period last year. Annual sugar consumption is estimated at 25 mt.