India 2010-11 Sugar Production Likely 24 Mln Tons

India's sugar output in the current marketing year is likely to be 24.0 million metric tons, lower than previous estimates, as yields declined in some key producing regions, a senior industry executive said Monday.

Sugarcane yields have fallen in the states of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka, Vivek Saraogi, managing director of Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd. (500038.BY), said in a conference call with analysts.

Industry and government officials were estimating India to produce 24.5 million to 25.5 million tons of sugar in the marketing year ending Sept. 30. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka are the country's top three producers of the sweetener.

India, behind Brazil, is the world's second biggest sugar producer and lower output estimates may restrict the government from allowing more exports of the sweetener.

source: tradingmarkets