New Delhi, May 16
India’s 2024–25 sugar season is projected to conclude with a net sugar production of approximately 261 to 262 lakh tonnes which will leave a comfortable buffer stock of 52 lakh tonnes to meet domestic demand, the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said on Friday.
The production includes 257.44 lakh tonnes of sugar produced up to mid-May in the current season, along with an estimated 4 to 5 lakh tonnes anticipated from the special crushing season in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the ISMA statement explained.
“The season commenced with an opening stock of 80 lakh tonnes. Considering the projected domestic consumption of 280 lakh tonnes and export estimates of up to 9 lakh tonnes, the closing stock is likely to be around 52 – 53 lakh tonnes. This reflects a comfortable buffer, ensuring that the country has a sufficient sugar stock to meet its domestic sugar demand,” ISMA said.
Approximately 27 lakh tonnes of sugar has been diverted for ethanol production up to April 30, 2025, during the current season. An additional 6 to 7 lakh tonnes are expected to be diverted over the remaining season, ISMA further stated.
The latest figures show that as of May 15, 2025, sugar production in the ongoing 2024-25 sugar season has reached 257.44 lakh tonnes, with two sugar factories still continuing operations across the country. These two operational factories are located in Tamil Nadu, where the main crushing season is still underway.