India Becomes Largest Producer, Second Largest Exporter of Sugar

NEW DELHI, (IANS) – India on May 25 said that India has become the largest producer of sugar in the world, more than Brazil, while it would become the second-largest exporter of sugar.

Sugar production in 2018-19 was 332 lakh metric tons (LMT) after discounting diversion of 3 LMT for ethanol; in 2019-20, it was 274 LMT; in 2020-21, the production increased to 310 LMT and for 2021-22, it is 335 LMT.

About 80 percent of sugar is produced in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka and because the two states south of Narmada are nearer to the ports, export takes place more from these states.

Immediately, India has restricted sugar export up to 100 LMT from June 1 till October 31, 2022, to maintain domestic availability and price stability the government said.