Maharashtra Sets Oct 15 as Start of 2026-27 Sugarcane Crushing Season

The Maharashtra government has approved October 15, 2026, as the commencement date for the 2026-27 sugarcane crushing season, setting the stage for preparations across the state’s sugar industry. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Committee of Ministers chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The committee reviewed the availability of sugarcane, expected production, crushing plans, farmer payments and the financial position of sugar mills before finalising the season’s start date. The government said the deliberations were aimed at maintaining a balance between the interests of sugarcane growers and the financial and operational requirements of sugar factories.

The meeting also assessed the performance of the 2025-26 crushing season, national sugar stocks, pending issues related to Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) and Revenue Recovery Charges (RRC), as well as the status of co-generation and ethanol projects.

Officials examined estimates of sugarcane acreage and production for the coming season, along with projected sugar output. Issues concerning season-wise FRP and Minimum Support Price (MSP), including deductions made by sugar mills for various government programmes, were also discussed.

The functioning and financial position of the Gopinath Munde Sugarcane Harvesters Welfare Board came under review. The committee considered an interest subsidy under a soft-loan scheme to help sugar factories settle outstanding dues.

It also discussed a proposed ₹1.50 per unit subsidy, based on the 2023-24 season, for sugar mills whose power purchase agreements for co-generation projects have expired.

Push for higher sugarcane productivity

The government is also considering a special sugarcane development programme to raise crop productivity. Cooperation Department Principal Secretary Praveen Darade presented proposals covering improved varieties, nurseries and sugarcane seedling processing.

The proposed interventions include wider adoption of drip irrigation, balanced use of chemical and organic fertilisers, modern cultivation practices and greater mechanisation. The government expects these measures to improve yields while strengthening the economic sustainability of sugarcane farming and the sugar industry.

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The meeting further examined financial and technical incentives for Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects and a proposal to relax the mandatory use of jute bags for sugar packaging, aimed at reducing operational difficulties and costs for mills.

Maharashtra to take key issues to Centre

The state government will also raise several pending sugar-sector issues with the Central Government. These include a demand for an increase in the minimum selling price of sugar, revision of ethanol prices and the early release of pending interest subsidies for ethanol projects.

With October 15 now approved as the opening date, sugar mills in Maharashtra are expected to accelerate preparations for the new crushing season. Farmer payments, sugar prices, ethanol economics and financial support for mills are likely to remain key issues as the 2026-27 season approaches.