Maharashtra 2018-19 sugar output seen at record high of 12 mln tn.

Mills across Maharashtra expected to produce a record 12 MMT of sugar in 2018-19 (Oct-Sep), higher than the estimated output of 10.7-10.8 MMT in 2017-18.Sugar output in the state in the next season is likely to rise due an expected increase in cane sowing. The area under the sugarcane crop in Maharashtra is likely to increase 14% on year to 1.08 mln ha in 2018-19 (Jul-Jun). In 2017-18, farmers in the state had sown cane across 943,000 ha. Production is seen at 12 mln tn. Rest of it will depend on how the rains are. If there are good rains, naturally yields will be good. Central India is expected to receive excess rainfall at 108% of the long period average. Parts of Maharashtra, Konkan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh would be key beneficiaries in central India.