Question : DELAY IN CRUSHING OF SUGARCANE

(a) whether there was delay in crushing of sugarcane in some States;

(b) if so, the name of the States where crushing of sugarcane started late during the last three seasons and the current season and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the sugar production is likely to decline due to delay in the start of the crushing season leading to the rise in retail prices of sugar during the last three years and the current year; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto indicating the likely decline in sugar production?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a) & (b): The sugar mills commenced crushing operations on different dates in different States. The major sugar producing States namely, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh have reported that there had not been any delay in crushing of sugarcane in their respective state(s) either during last three sugar seasons or the current season. However, the State of Uttarakhand which contributes a meager share of sugar production has reported delayed commencement of cane crushing in the current sugar season due to delay in repairs and maintenance work of the plants.

(c) & (d): No, Madam. The sugar production during last three sugar seasons 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 were 188.0, 243.50, and 262.96 (Provisional) Lakh tons respectively. Due to delayed monsoon/drought conditions in the States of Maharashtra and Karnataka, the sugar production in the current sugar season is expected to decline as compared to last season and estimated to be around 230 lakh tons. The prices of sugar in the domestic market depends upon various factors namely; sugar production, carry over stocks, domestic demand, international sugar prices and market sentiments etc. The all India yearly average retail prices of sugar in the domestic market were Rs 27.44 per kg., Rs 32.61 per kg., Rs. 32.40 per kg. and Rs 35.65 per kg. in the last three calendar years and the current year (upto 29th November,2012) respectively.