Sugar output may rise 25% in 2017-18 season

Import duty hike to curb overseas supply isn't required as prices have been under control

Indian mills are expected to produce 25.1 million tonnes (mt) of sugar during the 2017-18 sugar season beginning October, nearly 25 per cent higher than last season’s 20.3 mt, the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) said on Tuesday.

The association said Uttar Pradesh could again turn out to be the largest sugar producer in the coming season, with almost 40 per cent share in the total production. “ISMA has projected 9.95 mt sugar production from UP. Maharashtra and Karnataka are also expected to come back on track, with Maharashtra production estimated at 7.4 mt,” said Abinash Verma, ISMA director general.