Sugar exports have jumped over 2.5 fold between October 2021 and February this year to 47 lakh tonnes on higher production and better demand of the Indian sweetener in the global market, according to industry body ISMA.

The sugar marketing year runs from October to September. Exports stood at 17.75 lakh tonnes in the year-ago period.

According to ISMA data, production rose 9 per cent between October 2021 and March 15 this year to 283.26 lakh tonnes on higher cane output and better yield.

As per reports, around 64-65 lakh tonnes of sugar export have been contracted so far.

It is expected that physical exports by the end of this month maybe around 55–56 lakh tonnes.

ISMA has estimated that the industry should be able to export a record 75 lakh tonnes of sugar in 2021-22 marketing year.

Considering estimated domestic consumption of 272 lakh tonnes and production of 333 lakh tonnes, ISMA said the export of 75 lakh tonnes will help reduce the closing stocks of sugar at 68 lakh tonnes by September 30, 2022.

“This will be 77 lakh tonnes lower to the stocks of 145 lakh tonnes Indian sugar industry had 3 years back on 30th September 2019,” the ISMA statement said.

On the ethanol front, against the total LOI (letter of intent) quantity of 416.33 crore litres, 113.17 crore litres of ethanol have been supplied till March 13, 2022.

Out of the total supply , about 86 per cent comprises ethanol made from sugarcane juice / B heavy molasses.