The sugarcane crushing season in Maharashtra will begin early this year - from the first day of October, instead of the end of that month, a senior official has said.
In coming season, the state's sugar output is pegged at 12.3 million tonnes
India's top sugar producer, UP had logged over 12 million tonnes last year
UP mills have A sugarcane outstanding of nearly Rs 11,000 crore
Despite an increase in sugar prices, mills fear that the decline in recovery may hit their profit margins and thereby hinder their cane payment capabilities
Crushing operations now expected to start only after November 15 in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh
The sugarcane department said it had effected some amendments for the benefit of bona fide farmers and to weed out 'sugarcane mafia' and unscrupulous complicity of government and mill officials
The sugar millers are saddled with huge unsold molasses inventory