On the back of higher sugarcane acreage this year and record sugarcane payments during 2016-17 crushing season, Uttar Pradesh government has projected sugar production of almost 10 MT in the coming season. This would be almost 15 percent higher compared to sugar production of about 8.75 MT during 2016-17 and total sugarcane payables of Rs 25,386 crore last year. During 2017-18 season, we are confident UP sugar output would touch the record level of a crore tonnes (10 MT).