Sugar production stood at 25.5 million tonnes during October-May period in the current season, up 8 per cent over same period a year ago.
The increase in output was led by higher production in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
UP registered an 18 per cent increase over the previous year at 6.95 million tonnes. Cane recovery in UP was 9.07 per cent, down marginally from 9.14 per cent last year.
In Maharashtra, the output touched 8.96 million tonnes, a marginal increase over previous year's 8.91 million tonnes. The cane recovery improved marginally to 11.64 per cent against 11.32 per cent last year.
In Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the sugar production was 3.72 million tonnes and 1.8 million tonnes, respectively. Tamil Nadu recorded a 29 per cent jump in sugar production compared with the same period last year.
Crushing operations in all States have ended, including in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. However, about 39 mills are still operational in Tamil Nadu. Some mills in Karnataka are expected to restart crushing in August.
Another 5 lakh tonnes are expected to be produced in the remaining period of the current season in these two States.
The Indian Sugar Mills Association has projected an output of 26 million tonnes for 2011-12 that can be easily achieved.