Another key producer, was at 2.90 mln tn, higher than 2.57 mln tn a year ago. 178 mills were operational in the western state, compared with 176 a year ago. “Average sugar recovery (in Maharashtra) achieved so far is 10.18% as compared to 10.10% last year on the same date. the country’s third-largest sugar producer, produced 1.39 mln tn of the sweetener, slightly higher than 1.12 mln tn produced in the corresponding period last year. 63 mills from the state were operatinal, compared with 62 a year ago. Sugar output in Maharashtra and Karnataka is higher on year as mills in these states started crushing cane earlier this year.