India's sugar production reached 280.79 lakh tonnes (lt) by March 15 in the current sugar season, which began in October 2023, showing a slight decrease from the 282.60 lt produced during the same period in the previous year. The Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) reported that as of March 15, 371 sugar mills were operational, up from 325 mills at the same time last year. While production in Uttar Pradesh increased to 88.40 lt from 79.63 lt, Maharashtra and Karnataka saw slight declines in their output, with Maharashtra producing 100.50 lt compared to 101.92 lt, and Karnataka's production dropping to 47.55 lt from 53.50 lt.
ISMA has projected that the total sugar production for the 2023-24 marketing year will be around 323 lt, taking into account the diversion of 17 lt for ethanol production from sugarcane juice and B-heavy molasses. This forecast comes after a net production of 328.2 lt in the previous marketing year, during which 38 lt of sugar was diverted for ethanol manufacturing. The top three sugar-producing states, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka, continue to dominate the sector, contributing significantly to the overall production figures.
The overall sucrose-based gross sugar production for the current season, ending September 30, is expected to be around 340 lt, a decrease from the 366.2 lt produced in the prior year. This adjustment reflects the industry's ongoing shift towards ethanol production, with ISMA's initial estimates placing gross sugar production (excluding ethanol diversion) at 330.5 lt for the 2023-24 season. This transition indicates a strategic move within the industry to balance sugar and ethanol production in response to market demands and government policies.