Sugar Prices Rally, Exports to Take a Hit The government finally has declared drought in at least four states: Karnataka, Haryana, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. The rains in Gujarat have not been very good, though there is still time for improvement.Even though the area under sugarcane is higher this year at 5.28 million hectares against last year's 5.09 million hectares, India's production of sugar this year (marketing year begins in October) could take a hit, falling to 24 MMT or lower. Sugarcane requires more water and a minimum of eight to a maximum of 14 irrigation cycles at various stages. With less water available through rainfall and the water table depleting, farmers are not in a position to irrigate the crop. Out of desperation, f...