Mills across Uttar Pradesh produced 8.74 million tonne sugar during Oct 1-May 15, up 28.4% on year. Total sugar production by mills in Uttar Pradesh in the year-ago period was 6.81 million tonne. Mills in the state have crushed 82.36 million tonne cane so far, compared with 64.18 million tonne in the year-ago period. Average sugar recovery in Uttar Pradesh was at 10.6%, unchanged on year. With five mills in Uttar Pradesh still operating, market participants expect sugar output in the state this season to touch an all-time high of 8.75 million tonne, surpassing the previous high of 8.47 million tonne in 2006-07. Mills, which are still running, are likely to wind up crushing operations by next week.