India's sugar exports jump nearly three-fold

New Delhi, Oct 2 (PTI) India's sugar exports areestimated to have surged almost three-fold to over 50 lakhtonne, though output declined to 265 lakh tonne in the 2007-08season. Sugar production stood at 283 lakh tonne in the 2006-07season, which runs from October to September, while exportswere at about 17 lakh tonne (rpt) 17 lakh tonne last season. "The production in 2007-08 season was 265 lakh tonne andexports are estimated at little over 50 lakh tonne,"Maharashtra State Cooperative Sugar Factories FederationManaging Director Prakash Naiknavare said. The final figure of exports would come in next few days,he added. In 2008-09 sugar season, which started yesterday, thecane crushing would begin in Maharashtra from October 15. InUttar Pradesh too, another major sugar producing state,crushing may start from the same date, industry sources said. Asked about the export and production outlook for thecurrent season, he said: "Production will be about 210 lakhtonne but exports will decline to one million tonne". "There will be no exports subsidies, besides domesticprices are firming up and international prices are not goingup in line with domestic market," Naiknavare said whileattributing the reasons for decline in overseas sales. In order to bail out the sugar industry, the governmentoffered exports assistance of Rs 1,350 per tonne to millslocated in the coastal states and Rs 1,450 a tonne for thosein other areas. However, the Centre decided to withdraw thesubsidy from start of the season. (PTI)