Sugar production during the first 45 days of the current season (October 2017 to September 2018) was 13.73 lakh tonnes as against 7.67 lakh tonnes during the same period last year.

 

The Indian Sugar Mills’ Association said in a press release that higher production is seen in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. While the sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh produced 5.67 lakh tonnes till November 15, those in Maharashtra produced 3.26 lakh tonnes.

 

Discounted price

The average ex-mill sugar price, which was about ₹3,600 a quintal between March and September this year, has fallen by ₹100 to ₹200 a quintal. This is mostly for the last year stock which is sold at a discount as the new season has commenced. The government has extended the stock holding limit on traders by two months till December 31. With higher production in the current sugar season, sales should improve and prices should be stable. Hence, the government should withdraw the stock holding limit on sugar traders with immediate effect, the association said.