Sugar Production Rises Despite Decline in Number of Crushing Units

18-Feb-2026 01:51 PM

New Delhi: According to the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), domestic sugar production during the first four and a half months of the current marketing season—from October 1, 2025 to February 15, 2026—rose by 14% to 22.5 million tons, compared to the same period in the 2024–25 season. However, the number of operational sugar mills declined from 460 to 456 during this period.

In the three leading sugar-producing states—Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka—mills have started shutting down due to inadequate sugarcane supply. A similar situation has been observed in other major producing states as well. Nevertheless, the positive aspect is that sugar production in all three top-producing states has surpassed last year’s levels.

So far this season, sugar production in Maharashtra has surged by 32% to 9 million tons. In Uttar Pradesh, output has improved by 3% to 6.6 million tons. In Karnataka, production has increased from 3.6 million tons last year to 4.1 million tons this season.

Across the country, 55 sugar mills have already ceased operations, and several more are likely to shut down by the end of February.