India’s Sugar Production Rises 24 pc by December-End; Higher Crushing Drives Strong 2025–26 Season

India’s sugar output has registered a sharp year-on-year rise in the ongoing 2025–26 sugar season, supported by higher cane crushing and stable recovery levels, according to the latest data released by the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd.

As on December 31, 2025, all-India sugar production reached 118.30 lakh metric tons (LMT), compared with 95.60 LMT during the same period last year, reflecting a robust increase of about 24%. Cane crushing has also improved significantly, rising to 1,339.21 LMT from 1,101.87 LMT a year ago, indicating much higher crushing activity this season despite a similar number of mills in operation

The average sugar recovery rate stood at 8.83%, marginally higher than 8.68% recorded last year, pointing to stable operational efficiency across sugar mills. A total of 499 sugar mills are currently in operation nationwide, nearly unchanged from 500 mills during the corresponding period last season, underlining consistent participation by mills across key sugar-producing states.

Top states dominate output

The top three sugar-producing states — Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka — together account for nearly 90% of the country’s total sugar production so far this season.

Maharashtra has emerged as the biggest gainer, supported by a sharp rise in cane availability and crushing, while Uttar Pradesh continues to maintain steady production levels. Karnataka has also contributed meaningfully to the overall increase, even as some southern and eastern states reported mixed trends.

Other states, including Gujarat, Punjab, and Uttarakhand, have added steadily to national output, helping offset declines seen in a few regions such as Bihar and Tamil Nadu.

Strong full-season outlook

Based on current trends, India’s estimated net sugar production for the full 2025–26 season is projected at around 315 LMT, an increase of more than 53 LMT over last year. This estimate excludes nearly 35 LMT of sugar likely to be diverted for ethanol production, reflecting the growing influence of the ethanol blending program on the sugar balance.