Sugar production to hit by weather, export prospects dwindle: Isma

Sugarcane yields in India are declining due to last year's drought and this year's excessive rains, which could reduce the country's sugar production below consumption levels for the first time in eight years, farmers and industry officials said on Monday.Lower-than-expected output by the world's second-largest sugar producer could eliminate the possibility of India allowing exports in the current season ending in September 2025, supporting global sugar prices.Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh account for more than 80% of the country's total sugar production, with lower cane yields in these states prompting trade houses to reduce their output estimates for the 2024/25 season.The production could fall to around 27 million metric tons from the last year's 32 million tons and below annual consumption of more than 29 million tons, said India head of a global trade house, who declined to be named."During the summer months, the cane crop faced prolonged stress due to the lack of water," B.B. Thombare, president of the West Indian Sugar Mills Association told Reuters."When the monsoon season began, there was excessive rainfall and limited sunshine, which also adversely affected the crop's growth."