Maharashtra seeks hike in sugar exports

Thomas,however,did not give any specific assurance on this issue and suggested that a decision on sugar exports will be taken on the basis of the impact of exports on domestic retail prices. The states want more exports considering the global sugar prices,but the government has to consider this quantity for export keeping in mind the domestic situation as well as the coming festival season, Thomas told reporters after his meeting with Chavan.

The country is expecting a sugar output at about 24.2 million tonnes as against 18.8 million tonnes last season. The production this year is estimated to be more than the domestic demand of less than 22 million tonnes.

The sugar industry has been demanding more exports citing the rising arrears to be given to sugarcane farmers.