The country has produced a record 26.95 lakh tonnes of sugar as on November 30 in the 2006-07 sugar year. This is an increase of about 22% over the last year's corresponding production of 21.95 lakh tonnes. Of this year's output, 14.93 lakh tonnes was produced by cooperative sugar factories and 12.02 lakh tonnes by private sugar mills.
State-wise, Maharashtra has been laeding thus far with 10.47 lakh tones; Uttar Pradesh stands second with 7.23 lakh tonnes, while Karnataka is at the third spot with 3.18 lakh tones, according to the national Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories and the Indian Sugar Mills Association. Sentiment in the sugar market is, however, not bullish as prices both domestic and international have been declining. Price in the spot market have fallen by Rs 50-70 to Rs 1,600 - 1650 a quntial in this month as a result of the export ban and projected increase in production.