| Photo Credit: Akhilesh Kumarmore-inThe Centre should not permit imports of sugar this year (October 2016-September 2017) as output may outstrip demand, said Palani G. Periasamy, president of South Indian Sugar Mills Association. The current season started with an opening stock of 7.7 million tonnes and the production this year is expected to be 20.3 million tonnes. The total sugar consumption will be about 24 million tonnes and the closing stock for the current season is estimated to be four million tonnes. Further, sowing is said to be good in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. The current season began with ex-gate prices hovering around ₹27 a kg and the prices now are ₹37-₹38 a kg.

Source: The Hindu March 18, 2017 15:28 UTC