Sugar production in the country remained slightly lower at 31.09 million tonnes through April 15 of the ongoing 2023-24 season, owing to lower output in Karnataka, according to data released on Tuesday by industry body Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA).

During the same period of the 2022–23 season, sugar production stood at 31.23 million tonnes.

India is a major sugar producer worldwide with the sugar season running from October to September.

Sugar exports are currently capped for an indefinite period.

ISMA has revised the net sugar production estimate for the 2023-24 season to 32 million tonnes.

According to ISMA's most recent data, sugar production in Maharashtra, the country's leading producer of sugar, remained higher at 10.92 million tonnes through April 15 of this season, compared to 10.59 million tonnes the previous year.

Similarly, production in Uttar Pradesh, the country's second largest sugar-producing state, increased to 10.14 million tonnes from 9.67 million tonnes during the same period.

However, in Karnataka, the country's third largest sugar-producing state, production remained slightly lower at 5.06 million tonnes through April 15 of the ongoing 2023-24 season, compared to 5.49 million tonnes the previous year.

Sugar production in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu remained lower, at 9,19,000 tonnes and 8,60,000 tonnes, respectively, during the period.

State-wise Sugar Production: -

(Note: Above sugar production figures are after diversion of sugar into ethanol)

According to ISMA, the pace of sugar mill closures in the first two weeks of April this year was significantly higher than last year. This season, approximately 128 mills have closed their operations as of April 15, compared to 55 mills the previous year.

Overall, 448 factories have closed their crushing operations nationwide, compared to 401 last year as of mid-April, it said.