New Delhi [India], November 9 (ANI): India’s sugar production for the 2025-26 season is projected to rise sharply to 343.5 lakh tons, up around 16 per cent from 296.1 lakh tons in 2024-25, according to the first advance estimates released by the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA). The estimates, based on post-monsoon satellite imagery from October 2025, were reviewed at ISMA’s Executive Committee meeting on November 4.
The assessment reflects improved cane acreage, favourable weather, and higher yields across major sugar-producing states. Total sugarcane acreage for 2025-26 is estimated at 57.35 lakh hectares, slightly higher than 57.11 lakh hectares in the previous year, representing a 0.4 per cent increase. The improvement is attributed to healthy monsoon performance, sufficient reservoir levels, and strong cane development programs. ISMA noted abundant rainfall across most sugar belts and adequate reservoir storage to meet crop requirements, with field reports indicating good to very good crop conditions nationwide.
Maharashtra, a key sugar producer, is expected to achieve a record output of 130 lakh tons in 2025-26, a nearly 39 per cent increase from 93.51 lakh tons last year. Cane area in the state has risen to 14.71 lakh hectares from 13.82 lakh hectares, aided by abundant rainfall and high reservoir levels. Improved yields and a greater share of plant cane are expected to drive this growth.
In Karnataka, sugarcane acreage has risen by around 6 per cent to 6.8 lakh hectares, with gross sugar production estimated at 63.5 lakh tons, up from 54.89 lakh tons in 2024-25. ISMA said favourable rainfall and adequate reservoir levels have enhanced crop conditions, leading to improved sugarcane yield and recovery.
Uttar Pradesh is projected to produce 103.2 lakh tons of sugar in 2025-26, up from 101.01 lakh tons last year. Although the cane area declined by about 3 per cent (from 23.30 to 22.57 lakh hectares), improvements in crop health, disease control, and varietal development are expected to drive higher yields. ISMA noted that ongoing mill-level interventions, including varietal replacement and timely disease management, are expected to minimise red rot and other issues this season.
The diversion of sugar towards ethanol production is estimated at 34 lakh tons, slightly lower than 35.01 lakh tons in 2024-25. After accounting for this, net sugar production is projected at 309.5 lakh tons, compared to 261.08 lakh tons last year. With a comfortable sugar balance, India is positioned to export nearly 20 lakh tons this season. The central government has allowed exports of 15 lakh tons and removed 50 per cent export duty on molasses. Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi had conveyed this in a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on November 7, addressing Karnataka sugarcane farmers. (ANI)
About The Author
