India’s sugar production will be at least 23 million tonnes in the 2012—13 marketing year, that started this month, as against 26 million tonnes in the previous year, Food Minister K V Thomas said on Wednesday.

The government would not restrict export despite fall in production as the country would have sufficient stocks to meet domestic demand of about 22 million tonnes.

“Sugar production is expected to be minimum 23 million tonnes in 2012—13 and it may go up slightly,” Thomas told reporters when asked about the production estimates.

The production of sugar in Maharashtra is expected to be lower but better in Uttar Pradesh, he added.

Sugar production is estimated to fall because of expected fall in sugarcane output on account of deficient and delayed monsoon in some states including Maharashtra and Karnataka.

The sugarcane commissioner’s estimate is lower than the industry forecast of 24 million tonnes in 2012—13.

“With carryover stock of 6 million tonnes, the country will have sufficient supply to meet the domestic demand of 22.2 million tonnes,” he said.

India is the world’s second largest sugar producer but the biggest consumer. About 60 per cent of domestic demand is from bulk consumers.

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