Navigating India’s Cane Shortage Crisis

How Efficient Mills Can Thrive with SLI’s Expertise

A severe sugarcane shortage has led to the early closure of over 100 sugar mills across India this season, straining production and profitability (as reported by The Times of India). The mills which remain open now face unprecedented pressure to crush faster, smarter, and with fewer resources.

At SLI Industries, we’ve spent 46 years helping mills worldwide turn crises into opportunities through advanced optimization strategies. Here’s how the remaining mills can leverage SLI’s expertise to bridge the gap left by India’s cane shortage.

The Crisis in Numbers

• 20% Drop in Cane Acreage: Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, India’s sugar heartlands, report significant declines in sugarcane cultivation.
• 30% Longer Crushing Seasons: Remaining mills must process more cane with aging infrastructure.
• Rising Costs: Labor shortages and fuel prices make the operational challenges even tougher.

SLI’s Insight:

“When cane supply shrinks, maximizing every ton’s yield becomes non-negotiable. Efficient mills don’t just survive—they gain market share.”

How SLI Helps Mills Do More with Less

a) Extend Equipment Lifespan by 40%

• Problem: Frequent breakdowns of hammer tips, shredders, and knives worsen delays.
• SLI Solution: Carbide-enhanced hammer tips (62–64 HRC) withstand high-stress crushing, reducing the frequency of replacements during India’s cane shortage.

b) Boost Crushing Efficiency

• Problem: Low sugarcane quality (due to rushed harvesting) strains equipment.
• SLI Solution: Precision knife bodies and leveler units ensure uniform cutting, improving juice extraction by 12–15%.

c) Slash Energy Costs

• Problem: Extended operations increase power consumption.
• SLI Solution: Low-friction anvil segments reduce energy use significantly.

SLI’s Global Reach

“From India’s cane shortage to Thailand’s export boom, our solutions are tested in the world’s toughest conditions.”

Steps for Mills to Survive in 2025

1. Audit Critical Components: Prioritize the upgrading of high-wear parts like hammer tips, and shredder plates.
2. Collaborate with Experts: SLI offers free consultation to identify cost-saving opportunities.