ISMA expects only a minimal decline of 3-5 per cent in gross sugar production in Maharashtra and Karnataka for 2024-25 sugar season.
The Indian Sugar Mills & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has announced a promising outlook for the 2024-25 sugar season (SS), with total sugarcane acreage in India estimated at approximately 56.1 lakh hectares based on satellite images obtained in late June 2024.
During a recent meeting held on July 30, 2024, representatives from sugar-producing states across the country gathered to discuss the findings. The meeting covered a comprehensive analysis of satellite imagery, field reports on expected yields, sugar recovery rates, drawl percentages, the impact of rainfall from previous and current years, water availability in reservoirs, and anticipated rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon 2024.
Key Highlights:
Uttar Pradesh: The overall condition of standing cane remains robust. Additionally, the diversion of cane towards jaggery and khandsari units is expected to be lower than last year, aligning with normal trends, thus contributing positively to sugar production.
Maharashtra and Karnataka: Both states have experienced a reduction in cane area by around 13 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively, primarily due to last year’s deficient rainfall in major cane-growing districts. However, the current year’s rainfall has been abundant, approximately 30% above normal, with a positive forecast for the remainder of the monsoon. This improved water availability is anticipated to significantly enhance cane productivity and sugar recovery, effectively mitigating the impact of the reduced cane area. As a result, we expect only a minimal decline of 3-5% in gross sugar production in these states.
Other States: Minor adjustments in cane area and production are expected, with overall stability anticipated.
Overall, the projections for the 2024-25 SS are significantly more optimistic than those forecasted a few months ago. We are confident that the upcoming sugar season will be productive and successful.
In light of these encouraging developments, ISMA is releasing a preliminary estimate of gross sugar production for the 2024-25 SS, excluding the diversion of sugar towards ethanol production.
