India's sugar production is projected to be lower than estimated due to early ripening and weight loss of the cane crop in key regions. This could potentially prevent the country from increasing exports, which could support global prices and benefit competitors like Brazil and Thailand. The production estimate has been revised down from 34-34.3 million tonnes to 33.5-32.4 million tonnes due to declining yields in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The early flowering of the crop, caused by reduced solar radiation, indicates stress. Over a dozen sugar factories in the country have already shut down due to cane shortages.