Pune: Maharashtra’s Sugar Season Nears End with Record-breaking Production Figures
Pune, 16th March 2024: The sugar season in Maharashtra is approaching its conclusion, marking significant milestones in production. As of March 14th, Maharashtra has processed a staggering 986 lakh tonnes of sugarcane, yielding an impressive 100 lakh tonnes of sugar. With the season slated to conclude by the end of March, projections indicate a final production estimate of 10.5 lakh tonnes.
These accomplishments have been facilitated by the operation of 207 sugar factories, comprising 103 private and 104 cooperatives. Notably, 43 factories have completed their season, while 164 factories remain operational. The average daily processing capacity ranges between eight and a half to nine lakh tonnes per day across these facilities.
Leading the charge in sugar production is the Kolhapur division, contributing 26 lakh tonnes, followed closely by Pune with 21 lakh tonnes and Solapur with 19 lakh tonnes. Other notable contributors include Ahmednagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nanded, Amravati, and Nagpur divisions.
The optimistic outlook for sugar production at 10.5 lakh tonnes by March’s end reflects the industry’s resilience amidst challenges. Initially projected at 9 million tonnes, unforeseen weather patterns, including unseasonal rains, bolstered sugarcane yields and subsequent sugar production. B.B. Thombre, President of the West Indian Sugar Mills Association (Wisma), anticipates surpassing the 10.5 lakh tonne milestone by month’s end, underscoring the sector’s adaptability and growth potential.
