Sugar production estimate raised to 1.837 million MT

Sugar production for the 2024-2025 crop year is now expected to reach approximately 1.837 million metric tons, a slight increase from the initial estimate of 1.782 million metric tons.

This higher output is attributed to an increase in planted sugarcane tonnage per hectare, which offset weaker yields impacted by El Niño-induced drought.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona stated that fair farm gate prices have motivated farmers to replant and encouraged new farmers to enter the industry.

He also highlighted the SRA's efforts since 2022 to stabilize sugar prices and prioritize research and development, including new sugarcane varieties, as contributing factors to this positive outlook.

The projected output is lower than the 1.92 million metric tons produced in the preceding crop year and slightly below the US Department of Agriculture's forecast of 1.85 million metric tons.

The Visayas region accounts for the largest share of the total sugar production, contributing 71 percent.