Most of the remaining mills in western Uttar Pradesh are expected to begin operations over the next few days, while factories in central Uttar Pradesh are likely to start after Diwali.In Karnataka, seven mills continuing operations from the special season have produced 90,000 tonnes of sugar. The stateās main-season crushing is expected to begin shortly following the resolution of farmer-related issues.
Seven mills in Tamil Nadu have produced 64,000 tonnes, while 12 mills in Gujarat and three in Telangana have also started operations.ISMA Director General Deepak Ballani said the industry was in a comfortable position to meet domestic demand, with around 3.6 million tonnes of carryover stocks from the previous season and fresh production gathering pace.āThe country is in a comfortable position to meet its domestic sugar requirements,ā Ballani said, adding that production would increase substantially in the coming weeks as more mills begin operations in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.ISMA said the combination of carryover stocks and higher early-season production would ensure adequate supplies for domestic consumption.However, the increase in production at the start of the season has not yet translated into lower retail prices. The average modal price of ā¹60 per kg on Monday was ā¹5 higher than a month ago and ā¹16 higher than a year earlier, indicating that sugar prices remain elevated despite expectations of improved availability.