Maharashtra sugar mills step up preparations for October 15 crushing season
Maharashtra sugar mills are accelerating preparations for the 2026-27 crushing season, targeting an October 15 start. Mills are completing machinery repairs, arranging harvesting labour and transport, and streamlining cane slips, weighment and payments to ensure smooth crushing and timely farmer services.
Kolhapur: Sugar mills across Maharashtra have accelerated preparations for the 2026-27 crushing season, with operations expected to begin from October 15.
With the season approaching, mills are completing machinery maintenance and making arrangements for sugarcane harvesting, transportation, labour and other operational requirements. Technical teams are inspecting boilers, turbines, crushing units, mill houses, conveyor belts and other key equipment to minimise the risk of breakdowns once crushing begins.
Mills that reported machinery-related issues during the previous season have prioritised repairs and replacement of equipment, with managements seeking to ensure uninterrupted crushing operations.
Samrajeetsinh Raje Ghatge, mentor of the Shahu group in Kolhapur district, told ChiniMandi that preparations at the group’s mills were almost complete.
“Preparations for the crushing season are nearly complete, and we are maintaining regular communication with farmers. Our aim is to begin crushing as scheduled on October 15 and ensure a regular supply of sugarcane. The mill management and the entire team are prepared to ensure that farmers do not face difficulties and that operations continue smoothly throughout the season,” he said.
Harvesting, transport arrangements
Mills have also begun arrangements for harvesting labour and the deployment of tractors, trailers and trucks to transport cane from farms to factories. Coordination with contractors and agencies involved in harvesting and transportation has started in several areas.
The mills are seeking to ensure timely harvesting of mature cane and its quick transportation to factories after cutting. This is important for maintaining cane quality and ensuring effective utilisation of daily crushing capacity.
Focus on farmer services
With the crushing season being crucial for sugarcane growers, mills are also working to streamline cane slips, weighment, transportation and payment systems.
Mill managements, technical personnel and cane departments are coordinating preparations ahead of the October 15 target. The actual availability of sugarcane, recovery levels, sugar production and market conditions after the start of crushing will determine the performance of the industry during the new season.
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Source : ChiniMandi
