Maharashtra is expected to produce the most sugar in its history in the 2021-22 season, with a projected output of 133 lakh tonnes, up 25% from the previous year. For the second year in a row, Maharashtra will be the nation's top sugar producer, surpassing Uttar Pradesh.
Sugar cultivation in the state increased by 90,000 hectares last year due to a bountiful monsoon. From 2020-21 to 2021-22, the area under cane increased by 11.4 lakh hectares to 12.3 lakh hectares. As a result, sugar production is expected to double from 106 lakh tonnes in 2020-to 22.
On a national level, the country is expected to produce 350 lakh tonnes. This means Maharashtra will produce 38 percent of the country's total output.
Maharashtra has had a good monsoon for the past two years. According to state sugar commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad, sugarcane production in Uttar Pradesh has decreased due to a pest infestation. Despite increased sugar production, prices have remained stable. This is due to the fact that 80 lakh tonnes of sugar produced in the country are diverted to the production of ethanol.
In Maharashtra alone, 12 lakh tonnes of sugar cane have been shifted to ethanol production. According to officials, the increase in production has resulted in farmers' dues being settled more quickly.
About 98% of farmer FRP dues have been settled
The state sugar commission Shekhar Gaikwad stated that so far, approximately 98% of farmers' Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) dues had been settled. The state had authorized sugar companies to expand capacity in expectation of an increase in production over the previous two years.
The crushing season usually lasts 120-140 days, but due to the large production this year, it is likely to last 160 days.
More than 2 lakh hectares of water-guzzling cane were under cultivation in three divisions, Pune, Kolhapur, and Solapur in drought-prone Vidarbha. Given the high level of cultivation, some are concerned that all of the cane produced in the Marathwada region would not be crushed.
