{
  "id": 2918812,
  "title": "Sugar production hit by Red Rot disease: Govt",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/sugar-production-hit-by-red-rot-disease-govt",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-23T15:14:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/sugar-production-hit-by-red-rot-el-nino-govt-taking-measures-pralhad-joshi/articleshow/133441973.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced on Sunday that the government is taking several steps to tackle concerns over sugar scarcity and price increases prior to the festival season. This comes after a decline in sugar production due to red rot disease and adverse El Nino conditions, which have impacted agricultural output not just in India but globally. Joshi expressed deep concern over the situation, attributing the decline in production to these unexpected factors. India's requirement for sugar is approximately 280 lakh tonnes, and presently, the country has a surplus of over 20-25 lakh tonnes. The government is considering importing raw sugar temporarily to ensure sufficient supply during the festival season, which features numerous major celebrations. The recent surge in retail sugar prices, reported by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, saw an increase from Rs 48.18 per kg on July 20 to Rs 55.70 per kg on August 20. The rise is attributed to a blend of factors. Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary and MP Randeep Singh Surjewala criticized the government, claiming that farmers are not receiving timely payments for the sugarcane they provide. He further pointed out that India, which once exported sugar, is now importing it for the first time. This is taking place despite a Sugar Control Order in place, which dictates sugar pricing. Surjewala questioned why farmers would cultivate sugarcane if they were not compensated for their supply within a year.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Economic Times - Economy",
        "title": "India’s sugar stockpile set to shrink as output estimate falls: Govt",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/indias-sugar-stockpile-set-to-shrink-as-output-estimate-falls-govt",
        "published": "2026-08-22T12:18:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}