India's sugar production is expected to fall below consumption for the second consecutive year due to lower cane yields forcing mills to close faster than usual. This is likely to reduce domestic stockpiles and support local prices, which had been under pressure due to surplus supplies. At the start of the season, industry bodies had predicted production of around 31 million tons, against local demand of 28.5 to 29 million tons. However, low cane yields have led 467 of the 541 mills that began operations this year to shut by the end of March, compared to 420 in the previous year. The industry had hoped this season would increase stocks and export surplus, but lower output will reduce opening stocks for the next season.