Sugar Production Approaches 26.2 Million Tonnes

16-Mar-2026 03:56 PM

New Delhi. A new report from the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF)—the apex body for cooperative sugar mills—reveals that during the first five and a half months of the current marketing season (i.e., from October 1, 2025, to March 15, 2026), domestic sugar production rose to 26.175 million tonnes.

This figure represents an increase of 2.46 million tonnes, or 10.37 percent, compared to the 23.715 million tonnes produced during the corresponding period of the 2024-25 season. Currently, 137 sugar mills remain operational.

Compared to the previous year, sugar production during the current marketing season improved in Uttar Pradesh—rising from 8.095 million tonnes to 8.150 million tonnes; surged in Maharashtra—jumping from 7.860 million tonnes to 9.850 million tonnes; and increased in Karnataka—growing from 3.910 million tonnes to 4.580 million tonnes.

However, production declined in Gujarat—falling from 7.80 lakh tonnes to 7.20 lakh tonnes—and in Bihar—dropping from 6.10 lakh tonnes to 5.70 lakh tonnes.

Production also witnessed a slight decline in other states. At the national level, the average sugar recovery rate from sugarcane improved from 9.31 percent in the previous season to reach 9.54 percent in the current season.