After having surplus sugar production for three years in a row, the country’s sugar production in 2023-24 is expected to be less than the previous seasons. The main reason for low sugar production is scanty monsoon rains in Maharashtra and Karnataka, which adversely affected sugarcane growth. The Government had to intervene on crucial policy matters, to ensure sufficient domestic sugar stocks to meet demand. The Government curbed sugar exports and imposed restrictions on ethanol production from sugarcane juice/syrup and B-heavy molasses.