Sugar production in India -- the world's second-largest producer -- is projected to drop 15 per cent to 27-27.2 million tonnes in the ongoing 2024-25 season ending September, according to two industry bodies. National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSFL) has projected lower sugar output at 27 MT after diversion for ethanol production for the 2024-25 season, compared to 31.9 million tonnes in the previous year. Indian Sugar and Bio Energy Manufacturers' Association (ISMA), too, has estimated sugar production lower at 27.2 million tonne for the 2024-25 season as against 31.96 million tonne in the previous year in its second estimates released on Friday. Production is likely to decline in all three major producing states -- Uttar Pradesh, Maharasthra, and Karnataka. As on January 31, sugar production has reached 16.53 million tonne, down from 18.74 million tonne in the year-ago period, as per the NFCSFL data. The two industry bodies attributed early flowering of ...