Sugar production in the country has declined by over 18% as compared to the same period last year, as many mills have stopped crushing operations.

A statement by the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) said the sugar deficit had increased to 18.54% from around 15% in mid-February.

“During the current 2016-17 SS, which began on October 1, 2016 till February 28, 2017, sugar mills have produced 162.45 lakh tonne of sugar as compared to 199.43 lakh tonne produced last year in the corresponding period. As on February 28, 257 sugar mills are continuing their crushing operations, whereas in 2015-16 SS, 390 mills were in operation on the same date,” the ISMA said.

While Uttar Pradesh is the only state which has seen higher output, a majority of other sugar-producing states have reduced their crushing operations, resulting in the production deficit.