Season 2025-26: Sugar production updates by ISMA till December 15
India’s 2025–26 sugar output rose 28% year-on-year to 78.25 lakh tonnes by mid-December, driven by better cane yields and recovery in key states. However, ex-mill prices have fallen below production costs, prompting ISMA to urge an urgent hike in the sugar MSP to protect mills and farmers.
Sugar production in the ongoing 2025–26 season has shown a strong and encouraging performance, reflecting robust sugarcane availability and improved operational efficiency across major producing states, according to the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA)
Data released by ISMA shows that as of 15 December 2025, all-India sugar production has reached 78.25 lakh tonnes, registering a healthy growth of about 28% over the 61.28 lakh tonnes produced during the same period last year. The number of operating sugar mills has also marginally increased to 478, compared to 477 mills operating on the corresponding date last season.
Field-level assessments indicate better cane yields and improved sugar recovery rates across key states as crushing operations gain momentum.
Uttar Pradesh has recorded sugar production of 24.56 lakh tonnes, an increase of 1.52 lakh tonnes over last year by mid-December 2025.
Maharashtra has similarly outperformed its previous season’s performance, with 187 mills in operation and sugar production reaching 31.79 lakh tonnes.
Karnataka has also reported faster crushing progress and higher production compared to the corresponding period last year.
The table below presents a state-wise comparison of sugar production for the current season vis-à-vis last year.
| YTD | 15th December’ 2025 | 15th December’ 2024 | ||
| ZONE | No. of operating factories | Sugar production(lac tons) | No. of operating factories | Sugar production(lac tons) |
| U.P. | 118 | 24.56 | 121 | 23.04 |
| Maharashtra | 187 | 31.79 | 183 | 16.78 |
| Karnataka | 74 | 15.80 | 76 | 13.85 |
| Gujarat | 14 | 1.82 | 14 | 1.80 |
| Tamil Nadu | 11 | 0.50 | 5 | 0.75 |
| Others | 74 | 3.78 | 78 | 5.06 |
| ALL INDIA | 478 | 78.25 | 477 | 61.28 |
(Note: Above sugar production figures are after diversion of sugar into ethanol)
As per ISMA, current ex-mill sugar prices in major producing states have fallen significantly below the cost of production, with prices hovering around ₹3,600–3,660 per quintal in Maharashtra. In this backdrop, an immediate revision of the MSP of sugar, aligned with the increased cost of production, has become imperative. Such a revision would restore financial viability to the sector, ensure timely cane payments to farmers, and represent a win-win solution for all stakeholders – without imposing any additional fiscal burden on the Government.
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Source : Chinimandi
