India's Sugar Production Faces Sharp Decline

India's sugar production is projected to decrease by 19%, resulting in a total of 25.8 million tonnes for the 2024-25 season. The decline is mainly due to reduced output in key states, although total domestic sugar availability will still exceed consumption needs.

India is bracing for a significant dip in sugar production, with the All India Sugar Trade Association reporting a projected output of 25.8 million tonnes for the 2024-25 season, a 19% fall from 31.9 million tonnes last year.

The revised projection reflects a decrease in production across major states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, with Maharashtra alone seeing a drop from 11 million to 8 million tonnes.

Despite these figures, with the inclusion of opening stocks, the total sugar availability is expected to exceed domestic consumption demands, although the export forecast is modest at 1 million tonnes.

(With inputs from agencies.)