India, Feb. 25 -- PUNE Sugar production in Maharashtra has seen a notable decline this season, with a reduction of 151 lakh quintals as of February 24 compared to the previous year.

According to data from the sugar commissionerate, the total sugar production in Maharashtra stands at 728.67 lakh quintals, down from 879.6 lakh quintals on the same date last year. Industry experts anticipate that the diminished production will lead to an increase in sugar prices.

The decrease is attributed to adverse weather conditions and a diversion of sugarcane for alternative uses. Consequently, the sugarcane crushing season is concluding earlier than usual, with 44 sugar factories ceasing operations due to limited cane availability.

Mangesh Titkare, ...