A representative image of the file. | Photo credit: C. Venkatachalapatia
India may allow sugar exports after assessing the final sowing and production of sugarcane in the 2024-25 season as the world’s largest producer after Brazil expects 30 million tonnes lower sugar production next season, sources said.
In the current 2023-24 season ending September, sugar production has so far reached 31.5 million tonnes and the final production is likely to touch 31.8 million tonnes as crushing of mills in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka is completed, the sources added.
Last year, India produced 32.8 million tonnes of sugar.
Sugar production for the 2024-25 season is estimated to be lower at 30 million tonnes due to lower sowing in Karnataka, as per industry estimates, the sources added.
“The industry has demanded export of 1 million tonnes of sugar. As we expect lower sugar production next year and supplies are needed for ethanol production, the government’s priority is to ensure supplies are available for domestic consumption as well as ethanol,” one of the sources said.
“Exports may be allowed if excess stocks are available,” the source added.
There are currently restrictions on sugar exports.
Sources said the government will review the sugar production situation after July, when the monsoon begins and the final data on sugarcane sowing is available.
India mainly exports sugar to neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Middle East.
