UP pays Rs 31,682 crore to cane farmers, sugar production touches 89.52 lakh tonnes
Uttar Pradesh produced 89.52 lakh tonnes of sugar from 878.12 lakh tonnes of cane in 2025–26, while paying farmers Rs 31,682 crore (91.64%). Since 2017, cane payments reached Rs 3.24 lakh crore, with expanded cultivation, productivity, crushing capacity and farmer participation.
Uttar Pradesh has strengthened its position in the sugar sector with higher sugar production, increased farmer payments and expansion in sugarcane cultivation during the ongoing 2025–26 crushing season.
According to the state government, sugarcane farmers have received Rs 31,682 crore so far this season, accounting for 91.64 per cent of the total amount due. The government said the payments reflect continued efforts to support farmers and improve their financial condition.
The state also reported growth in sugar production. During the 2025–26 crushing season, 121 operational sugar mills crushed 878.12 lakh tonnes of sugarcane and produced 89.52 lakh tonnes of sugar.
Since 2017, sugarcane farmers in the state have received a record Rs 3,23,572 crore in cane payments. Uttar Pradesh continues to remain the country’s leading state in sugarcane payment distribution.
Data from the Cane Development and Sugar Industry Department showed that farmers received Rs 2,13,519 crore over 22 years between 1995 and 2017. In comparison, the current government said payments made during the last nine years exceeded that figure by Rs 1,10,053 crore. Between 2007 and 2017, total payments stood at Rs 1,47,346 crore, while from 2017 until now, the amount reached Rs 3,23,572 crore.
Sugarcane cultivation has also expanded across the state. The cultivated area increased from 20.54 lakh hectares in 2016–17 to 28.61 lakh hectares, marking a growth of 39.29 per cent over nine years.
At the same time, average productivity improved from 72.38 tonnes per hectare to 83.25 tonnes per hectare. The increase of 10.87 tonnes per hectare has been linked to improved sugarcane varieties, scientific farming methods and wider adoption of modern agricultural practices.
The number of sugarcane farmers has also risen steadily. From nearly 33 lakh farmers in 2016–17, the figure has now reached 48 lakh, reflecting an increase of around 15 lakh farmers over nine years.
The government said that higher cultivated area, improved productivity, record payments and growth in farmer participation have contributed to stronger farmer incomes and reinforced the state’s leadership in both sugarcane production and cane payments.
Industrial expansion has also supported growth in the sector. Since March 2017, four new sugar mills have been established and seven previously closed mills have resumed operations. Capacity expansion has also been completed at 42 private mills, one corporation-run mill and one cooperative sugar mill.
These measures have added 1,28,500 tonnes per day of additional crushing capacity and created employment opportunities for nearly 10 lakh people through direct and indirect jobs.
To Read more about Sugar Industry continue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : ChiniMandi
