During the season in 2008-09, India has produced about 289.23 million tonnes of sugarcane, which is nearly 17 per cent less than the output a year ago, confirmed the Agriculture Ministry.  

If the latest estimates are taken into consideration, then the sugarcane production has been pegged at 289.23 million tonnes.

It should be noted that the output is somewhat less than 290.45 million tonnes arrived at the release of second advance estimates in February 2009.

Sugarcane production was 348.19 million tonnes in 2007-08 season (October-September).  

Sugar production in 2008-09 seasons is expected to decline by 43 per cent to 14.7 million tonnes from 26.4 million tonnes in the previous year, confirms the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA).