Unlikely that sugar mills will start sugarcane crushing ahead of schedule

18-Aug-2026 03:44 PM

New Delhi. The total sugarcane cultivation area across India has shrunk to 5.831 million hectares, a decrease of 31,000 hectares compared to the previous year's sown area of ​​5.862 million hectares. Previously, the acreage had been tracking 86,000 hectares higher. While sugarcane acreage has increased in some states, it has lagged behind in others.

Two apex bodies of the sugar industry had previously assured the government that they would attempt to commence sugarcane crushing as early as possible for the 2026-27 marketing season (October-September) to help ensure smooth sugar supply and availability during the festive season. However, it appears the industry may face practical challenges in fulfilling this promise. Insufficient rainfall in major producing states like Maharashtra and Karnataka means the sugarcane crop will take longer to mature; crushing immature cane could result in a lower sugar recovery rate.

Uttar Pradesh is the leading sugarcane-producing state. There, too, monsoon rainfall has been uncertain and irregular, with uneven distribution. Western Uttar Pradesh still requires rainfall. The condition of the sugarcane crop in Bihar, Punjab, and Haryana is not particularly encouraging. Rainfall has also been deficient in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. While the situation in Gujarat is relatively normal, conditions in Tamil Nadu are reported to be unfavorable.