Sugar Output Up 5% to 345 Lakh Tonnes; ISMA Demands Higher Ethanol Quota, MSP

• Sugar production estimated to rise by 5% to 345 lakh tonnes this year, according to ISMA.
• ISMA expresses concern over increasing farmers' arrears, with ₹2000 crore pending in Maharashtra.
• Government's approved 15 lakh tonnes sugar export is stalled due to unfavorable international prices.
• ISMA demands an increase in ethanol allocation quota and higher ethanol prices.
• Industry also seeks an increase in sugar's minimum selling price to ₹41.66, with government assurance of action.

Why It Matters: Despite higher sugar output, ISMA seeks government support to address farmer arrears and boost industry viability.