While the lower output could reduce India’s 10 million tonnes of sugar inventories, the grubs that feed on the roots of cane plants can only be eradicated by pulling out the crop, leaving the field fallow and then replanting, adding to the stress of farmers already dealing with meagre harvests.
The June to September monsoon provided 23 percent less rainfall than normal this year, according to state government data. India’s biggest sugar producing state, Uttar Pradesh, also received slightly less rainfall than normal but the grubs have not infested crops there.
Sporadic pest infestations have been reported in the past on a smaller scale, but the current outbreak is for the first time so widespread that it will impact overall sugar production, said B. B. Thombare, president of the Western India Sugar Mills Association.
The grub has also been reported in neighbouring Karnataka, said an official with the state agriculture department that asked to remain unidentified.
“Many farmers could not take ratoon crop due to the pest infestation. They have to uproot the crop after harvesting,” the official said.
“The market has priced in huge exports from India, but that amount will be lower than anticipated. With lower production, mills’ surplus for exports will also fall,” the trader said.