India’s sugar production crosses 271 LMT in 2025–26 season; crushing operations nearing end
India’s sugar production hits 271.20 LMT, up from last year, with improved recovery rates boosting output. As the crushing season ends, 467 mills have closed, signaling tighter supply ahead. Maharashtra and Karnataka lead growth, while Uttar Pradesh shows stable output with better efficiency.
As sugarcane crushing operations across the country enter the final stage, with most mills shutting down, India’s sugar production has reached 271.20 LMT as of March 30, 2026. The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited released the latest production data on March 31.
The data shows that crushing operations in all major cane-producing states are nearing closure, with 467 out of 541 sugar mills having already stopped operations. Overall production and recovery have improved, supported by higher cane availability and better operational efficiency.
Total sugar output stands at 271.20 LMT, compared to 248.65 LMT during the same period last season. The average recovery rate has improved to 9.56%, up from 9.37% in the previous season.
A total of 541 sugar mills operated during the 2025–26 season, compared to 533 mills in 2024–25. However, only 74 mills are currently operational, significantly lower than 113 mills at the same time last year.
In Maharashtra, sugar production increased to 98.95 LMT from 80.10 LMT last season, with the recovery rate remaining unchanged at 9.50%.
In Uttar Pradesh, production stood slightly lower at 87.45 LMT compared to 87.70 LMT last season. However, recovery improved to 10.20% from 9.70%.
In Karnataka, sugar output rose to 46.75 LMT from 39.90 LMT, while recovery improved to 8.65% from 8.50%.
The report noted that the crushing season is gradually coming to an end, particularly in western and southern regions, where most mills have closed operations earlier than those in northern states.
Source : Chinimandi
