THAILAND: 2010/11 sugar production seen up
Published: 03/05/2010, 12:53:08 PM
Sugar production in Thailand, the world's second-biggest shipper, may rebound next year as high prices increase plantings, according to Bloomberg.
The cane crop may be 10% bigger at 73 million metric tonnes if it rains in April, said Nutthapol Asadathorn, executive director of Thai Roong Ruang Sugar Group. Sugar output may total 7.5 million tonnes, he said.
"Farmers have increased cane production massively thanks to attractive prices," Nutthapol said in a central province of Uthai Thani.
The cane harvest in the current crop year started Nov. 1 may be 67 million tons, less than the 72 million tonne target, as El Nino-induced dry weather reduces yield, said Nutthapol.
"We're worried about it and have prepared a water- management plan to handle the situation," he said.
Thai Roong Ruang aims to raise cane output to 13 million tonnes in the 2010/11 year, from 11.8 million tonnes this season, and to 13.8 million tonnes in the following year, said Nutthapol.
"We're aiming to become the country's largest producer over the next 2-3 years," he said.
The company's sugar production may be 1.13 million tonnes this year, down from 1.26 million tonnes last season, as warm weather lowers yield, he added.