Sugar Production Reaches 12.85 Lakh Tonnes as 184 Mills Begin Crushing Across India

India's sugar production has reached 12.85 lakh tonnes in the 2026-27 season, nearly four times the output recorded during the corresponding period last year, as more mills have started crushing operations across major sugar-producing states. As of November 5, a total of 184 mills were operational across the country, compared with 154 mills on the same date in the previous season.

According to the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), the early commencement of crushing, particularly in Maharashtra, has contributed significantly to the higher initial production. The gradual resumption of operations in other major producing states is also expected to accelerate output in the coming weeks.

Maharashtra has emerged as the biggest contributor to the early-season production surge. As many as 136 mills in the state had started operations by November 5, producing 10.78 lakh tonnes of sugar. During the corresponding period last year, 101 mills were operational and production stood at just 1.23 lakh tonnes.

In Uttar Pradesh, 19 mills in the western and central regions have commenced crushing, producing 0.20 lakh tonnes. Most of the remaining mills in western Uttar Pradesh are expected to start operations over the next few days, while factories in central Uttar Pradesh are likely to begin crushing immediately after Diwali.

Karnataka has reported production of 0.90 lakh tonnes from seven factories that continued operations from the special season. The state is expected to see the start of its main crushing season shortly following the resolution of issues involving farmers. In Tamil Nadu, seven mills continuing from the special season have produced 0.64 lakh tonnes. Additionally, 12 mills in Gujarat and three in Telangana have started operations.

The state-wise figures show a mixed trend compared with last year. While Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have registered higher early-season production, Uttar Pradesh has produced less so far. Karnataka's production has increased to 0.90 lakh tonnes from 0.65 lakh tonnes a year earlier.

Despite the early progress in production, ISMA has expressed confidence about domestic sugar availability during the festive season and beyond. The industry body estimates that around 36 lakh tonnes of sugar were carried forward from the previous season, providing an additional cushion alongside fresh production.

ISMA Director General Deepak Ballani said the season had started on a positive note and the country was comfortably positioned to meet domestic consumption requirements. He expects production to rise substantially as more factories in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka begin their main-season operations.

The association said the industry remained committed to maintaining adequate sugar supplies in the domestic market. With crushing operations expanding across major producing states, the pace of production is expected to gather further momentum in the coming weeks.