2024-25 season: 177 mills end crushing operations; sugar production reaches 219.78 lakh tonnes
The sugarcane crushing season is nearing its end, with 177 mills ceasing operations by February 28. ISMA reports that sugar production in the 2024-25 season has reached 219.78 lakh tonnes, with 355 mills still operational. Maharashtra and Karnataka have seen higher closure rates, while Uttar Pradesh remains a key contributor with 72.93 lakh tonnes produced.
The sugarcane crushing season in many regions has entered its final phase, and as of 28th February, 177 sugar mills have ended crushing operations nationwide.
According to a release by ISMA (Indian Sugar and Bioenergy Manufacturers Association), sugar production as of 28th February 2025 in the current 2024-25 sugar season reached 219.78 lakh tonnes, with 355 mills still operating across the country.
In the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka, closure rate of mills have increased in the last fortnight and around 141 mills are reportedly closed in these states.
In terms of state-wise sugar production, 114 mills are operational in Maharashtra, having produced 74.80 lakh tonnes of sugar.
In Karnataka, the third-largest sugar-producing state, 23 sugar mills are currently operational out of 78 mills engaged in the ongoing season. Sugar production in the state has reached 38.20 lakh tonnes.
In Uttar Pradesh, sugar production has reached 72.93 lakh tonnes, with 108 sugar mills still operating.
In Gujarat, 15 sugar mills participated in the season, and as of now, 2 mills have closed operations. Sugar production in the state has reached 6.82 lakh tonnes.
In Tamil Nadu, sugar production has reached 2.90 lakh tonnes, with 30 mills participated and 27 mills still operational.
In other states, sugar production has reached 24.13 lakh tonnes, with 70 mills still operating in crushing operations.
Following table gives state-wise detail of sugar production this year vis a vis last year:
According to ISMA, the sucrose percentage in plant cane across the state of Uttar Pradesh is improving and has reached a level comparable to the same period last season. As a result, it is expected to partially offset the lower sugar recovery experienced during the first half of the season, by the end of this season.
Some mills in South Karnataka are expected to restart operations during the special season from June/July to September 2025. Typically, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu collectively contribute around 4 – 5 lakh tonnes during the special season.
To read more about Sugar Industry continue reading Agriinsite.com
