Western UP sugar mills to start 2026-27 crushing season 10 days early
Western Uttar Pradesh sugar mills are preparing to begin the 2026-27 crushing season around 10 days earlier, with operations likely from October 20, subject to weather. Farmers seek higher cane prices and timely dues, while cane acreage has declined by 47,000 hectares.
Bijnor: Sugar mills across western Uttar Pradesh have geared up to start the 2026-27 sugarcane crushing season around 10 days earlier than last year, with boiler prayers and steam trials expected to be completed by the first week of October. Crushing operations are likely to begin around October 20, subject to weather conditions, The Times of India reported.
Mills in Bijnor, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Shamli and Moradabad have accelerated repair and maintenance work ahead of the new season. The preparations come amid farmers’ demands for an increase in the state-advised price (SAP) of sugarcane and timely settlement of cane payments.
Thousands of farmers led by Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan chief Sardar VM Singh participated in a mahapanchayat in Bijnor on September 22. They demanded a higher cane price, early commencement of crushing and payment of interest on delayed dues.
Saharanpur Deputy Cane Commissioner OP Singh said Uttar Pradesh has 122 sugar mills, including at least 71 in western UP.
“This time around, the crushing season may start 10 days earlier than last year. However, all preparations will depend on the weather,” he said.
Farmers have been advised to verify their sugarcane survey records, including acreage and crop varieties, and ensure that their bank accounts are active and linked with the required official identification documents to avoid payment-related delays.
Procurement centre arrangements are expected to be finalised in the first week of October. An early start to crushing would enable farmers to clear their fields sooner and provide more time to sow wheat during the optimal seasonal window.
The preparations are taking place amid a decline in sugarcane acreage in Uttar Pradesh. The area under cane has fallen by around 47,000 hectares, from 28.87 lakh hectares to 28.4 lakh hectares. The decline has been reported in several major cane-growing districts, including Bijnor, Lakhimpur and Pilibhit.
Farmers have attributed the reduction in acreage to rising input, labour and irrigation costs, delayed payments by sugar mills and the long cultivation cycle of sugarcane.
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Source : ChiniMandi
