India, Sept. 28 -- Concerned about a possible sugar shortage in the festive season, the Maharashtra government has decided to begin the sugar-crushing season from October 15, a fortnight earlier than usual. Farmers' associations have opposed the move and requested sugar mills not to comply, as farmers will face a loss of around Rs.40,000 per acre of sugarcane crop. The mill owners too estimate a loss of around Rs.370 per tonne of sugarcane but they have no choice but to go with government orders. due to lower sugar production

The orders have come from the central government, which, amid the sharp rise of over 40% in the price of sugar in August, has decided to import one million metric tonnes of sugar. It has also asked sugar-producing s...