The production of sugar in the country till January 31, 2017 is down by about 10% over the same period of previous year. As per data compiled by industry body Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), the country has produced 128.55 lakh tons (LT) of sugar, as compared to 142.80 LT produced last season on the corresponding date. About 334 sugar mills are still operating in the current sugar season, whereas 494 sugar mills were operating last year at the end of January.
The sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh have produced 45.59 LT of sugar till January 31, 2017, as against 35.94 LT produced last year same period. The sugar mills in UP are expected to produce another 39-40 LT of sugar. In Maharashtra, sugar mills have so far produced 36.76 LT of sugar, compared with 54.17 LT produced by them last year same period. 58 sugar mills continue to crush sugarcane in the state, mostly in the southern part of Maharashtra in Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara Districts.
Besides, in case of Karnataka, till January 31, 2017, sugar mills have produced 20.25 LT, as compared to 26.92 LT produced by them last year same period. 13 sugar mills are still operating in the state.