During the 2021–22 marketing year, 35.8 million tonnes of sweeteners were produced in India, the world's largest producer.
The ISMA anticipates export to be about 9 million tonnes this season, with an expected increase in production despite higher diversion for ethanol.
The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) announced the initial estimate and stated that "after accounting for the reduction of 45 lakh tonnes in sugar production due to diversion of cane juice/syrup and B-molasses to ethanol, ISMA estimates sugar production in 2022-23 at around 36.5 million tonnes of sugar."
During the 2022–23 season, it was predicted that Uttar Pradesh will produce 12.3 million tonnes of sugar, Maharashtra will produce 15 million tonnes, and Karnataka will produce 7 million tonnes.
Since the aim of 12% blending is expected to be met, sugar diversion for ethanol production is predicted to increase by 32% this season, to 45 lakh tonnes, compared to 34 lakh tonnes in 2021–2022.
According to ISMA, a total of 545 crore liters of ethanol will be needed and supplied throughout the current season. Regarding exports, the industry association noted that given Brazil's sugar's impending arrival on the global market in May 2023, the export window for Indian sugar this year appears to be quite small.
The majority of mills have also already signed contracts to purchase sugar for export during the current season. Therefore, the government should be highly praised for making an early disclosure of its sugar export policy, it continued.
The southern region has started sugarcane crushing, and it is expected that other regions will fall into line soon. Therefore, when actual yield trends and sugar recoveries are revealed after a few months, a better picture will become clear.
In accordance with tradition, ISMA will revisit its predictions for sugarcane and sugar production in January 2023.
