Doubts Persist Regarding Rise in Sugar Production Despite Increase in Sugarcane Acreage

07-Jul-2026 05:36 PM

New Delhi. Although the latest data from the Union Ministry of Agriculture indicates that the domestic sugarcane cultivation area has risen to 57.58 lakh hectares—surpassing the previous year's corresponding sowing area of ​​56.72 lakh hectares by 85,000 hectares and the normal average area of ​​55.22 lakh hectares by 2.35 lakh hectares—there are doubts about an increase in sugar production.

This skepticism stems from the anticipated significant deficit in monsoon rainfall and potential drought conditions caused by the El Niño weather cycle, which are likely to reduce the average sugarcane yield and its sucrose content.

According to Ministry of Agriculture data, the total sugarcane cultivation area had previously reached a peak of 58.84 lakh hectares, yet sugar production did not see the expected rise. The sugarcane crop also faced drought conditions in August during the 2024-25 season.

Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka are the top three sugarcane-producing states. Additionally, states such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Telangana also record significant sugarcane and sugar production. However, rainfall is likely to be deficient in these major producing states this year.