Fifteen sugar mills have closed operations in Karnataka this season till February 15, 2024, coinciding with a decline in sugarcane crushing, sugar production, and sugar recovery rates in the state.

According to data from the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited (NFCSF), the crushing season for 2023-24 is ongoing in 59 sugar mills across Karnataka, and 4.39 million metric tonnes of sugarcane have been crushed, resulting in a sugar production of 4.28 million metric tonnes. Notably, Karnataka is witnessing a lower sugar recovery rate this season, standing at 9.75%, compared to the 10.10% recorded during the same period last season.

Out of a total of 74 sugar mills that participated in the crushing season in Karnataka, 15 mills have already closed operations. In the previous season, during the same period, 74 sugar mills had participated, with only 8 mills closing down.

Nationwide, as of February 15, 2024, the crushing season for 2023-24 has commenced in 507 sugar mills, with 226.83 million metric tonnes of sugarcane crushed and a sugar production of 22.36 million metric tonnes. Presently, Maharashtra leads in sugar production, followed by Uttar Pradesh. Maharashtra has produced 7.95 million metric tonnes of sugar, while Uttar Pradesh has recorded sugar production of 6.84 million metric tonnes. Karnataka holds the third position in the country.