Sugar production till end-May stood at 25.5 million tonnes in the 2011-12 season, registering a growth of 8 per cent compared to the same period last year.

The increase in output is led by higher production in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka, the Indian Sugar Mills’ Association said.

UP has registered an 18 per cent increase in output at 6.95 mt over the previous year. Cane recovery in the state stood at 9.07 per cent, marginally down from 9.14 per cent last year.

In Maharashtra, the output touched 8.96 mt, a marginal increase over the previous year’s 8.91 mt. Cane recovery improved marginally to 11.64 per cent from 11.32 per cent.

In Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the sugar production is at 37.27 lakh tonnes and 18 lakh tonnes, respectively. Tamil Nadu has recorded a 29 per cent jump in production compared to the same period last year.

Crushing operations in all the states have ended including in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

However, about 39 mills are still operational in Tamil Nadu. Some mills in Karnataka are expected to restart their crushing in August.

Another five lakh tonnes is expected to be produced in the balance period of the current season in these two states.

ISMA had projected an output of 26 mt for 2011-12, which would be easily achieved, the apex sugar industry body said.

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