The sugarcane target for the year 2007-08 was set for production at 55.88 million tons from an area of 1,039,500 hectares. According to official sources, estimated sugarcane 2007-08 production has been projected as 62.3 million tons from an area of 1.15 million ha.
The increase ratio is 13.5per cent over the last year production of 54.9 million tons. The sugarcane (2006-07) area and production was 1.03 million ha and 54.9 million tons respectively. In 2006-07, the sugar production was 3.52 million tons at an average of 74 per cent crushing and 8.7 per cent recovery. For 2007-08, it is expected that about 4 million tons of sugar could be produced at an average of 80 per cent crushing and 8.7 per cent recovery.
In view of the irrigation water shortage, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (Minfal) has successfully conducted experiments to introduce sugar beet as a new crop to produce sugar. It is also encouraging the mills with proper facilities for its marketing, said sources.