The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has lowered its sugar production forecast for the 2022-23 season by 6.84%, adjusting it to 340 lakh tonnes from the earlier prediction of 365 lakh tonnes. This downward revision is attributed to the diversion of 45 lakh tonnes of sugar to ethanol production, resulting in an overall production decrease of 25 lakh tonnes. The adjustment is based on various factors, including satellite image data, field visits, and the trend in yields and sugar recoveries achieved so far, with the final figures to be determined after the conclusion of the sugar season. Additionally, the area planted with sugarcane in India has seen a 6% increase from the previous estimate.