Sugar rates to remain stable for few months

PUNE: As per the State Sugar Commisionerate, total production of sugar for the year 2018-2019 in Maharashtra was Rs 107.21 lakh tonnes, which is 0.11 lakh tonnes more than the previous year. The prices of sugar would remain stable in the coming months as there is ample sugar in stock for the consumption.

“Last year, the quality of sugarcane was good, so this year the average recovery percentage of sugar has increased from 11.24 per cent to 11.26 per cent, which is being reflected in the production of sugar,” said State Commissioner (Sugar) Shekhar Gaikwad.

According to data received by the Sugar Commissioner’s Office, a total of 952.11 lakh tonnes of sugarcane was grown on 11.62 lakh hectares land in Maharashtra. There are total 195 sugar mills in Maharashtra including 102 cooperative and 93 private which were involved in the production of sugar.

West India Sugar Mills Association (WISMA) Executive Director Ajit Chougule said, “The recovery is better when the crops are good which depends on agronomical factors like weather. The quality of sugarcane grown in Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Pune districts was good which ensured good recovery, while sugarcane crops from Vidarbha and Marathwada were not that good.”

He added, “This year, the production of sugar all over the country is good. Till May 15, the total production recorded is  326.08 lakh tonnes. We export around 28 lakh tonnes of sugar, so we have a surplus for domestic consumption.”

The wholesale rate of sugar in Pune is around Rs 33.50 per kg as the minimum support price (MSP) is Rs 31. “Hence, there will be no change in the prices of sugar. As during the monsoon, the demand reduces and since we are well stocked, there are no chances of the price of sugar increasing,” said Vijay Gujarathi, President, Poona Sugar Merchants Association.