India Sugar Production 2025-26 Shows Robust Year-on-Year Growth
India sugar production 2025-26 has recorded a strong year-on-year increase, supported by higher sugarcane crushing and stable recovery levels. According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited, the current sugar season is witnessing significantly improved performance compared to last year.
As of December 31, 2025, a total of 499 sugar mills across the country have crushed 1,340 lakh tonnes of sugarcane, registering an increase of 237 lakh tonnes year-on-year. This has resulted in new sugar production of 118 lakh tonnes, up by 23 lakh tonnes compared to the same period last season.
Higher Cane Crushing Boosts India Sugar Production 2025-26
The sharp rise in India sugar production 2025-26 is largely driven by higher crushing activity. By the end of December, all-India sugar output reached 118.30 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), compared to 95.60 LMT during the same period last year, reflecting a growth of nearly 24 percent.
Sugarcane crushing also increased significantly to 1,339.21 LMT, up from 1,101.87 LMT a year ago. This improvement has been achieved despite the number of operational sugar mills remaining almost unchanged, indicating better cane availability and smoother mill operations this season.
Stable Recovery Rates Support Operational Efficiency
The average sugar recovery rate during the 2025-26 season stood at 8.83 percent, slightly higher than 8.68 percent recorded last year. This marginal improvement reflects stable operational efficiency across sugar mills and has further strengthened India sugar production 2025-26.
With 499 mills currently operational, compared to 500 mills during the same period last season, the industry has maintained consistent participation across major sugar-producing states.
Top States Drive India Sugar Production 2025-26
The top three sugar-producing states — Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka — together account for nearly 90 percent of India’s total sugar production so far in the 2025-26 season.
- Maharashtra has emerged as the biggest contributor, supported by a sharp increase in sugarcane availability and crushing.
- Uttar Pradesh continues to maintain stable and consistent production levels.
- Karnataka has also contributed meaningfully to overall growth, although some southern and eastern states have reported mixed trends.
States such as Gujarat, Punjab and Uttarakhand have shown steady growth, helping offset declines observed in regions like Bihar and Tamil Nadu.
Strong Outlook for India Sugar Production 2025-26
Based on current trends, India sugar production 2025-26 is projected at around 315 LMT for the entire season, representing an increase of more than 53 LMT compared to last year.
This estimate does not include nearly 35 LMT of sugar diverted for ethanol production, highlighting the growing impact of the ethanol blending program on the country’s sugar balance. The continued diversion of sugar for ethanol is expected to play a crucial role in stabilizing sugar prices and supporting farmer incomes.
Conclusion
Overall, India sugar production 2025-26 is on a strong footing, backed by higher cane crushing, stable recovery rates and solid contributions from key producing states. With a positive outlook for the remainder of the season and increasing ethanol diversion, the sugar sector is likely to remain a key pillar of India’s agricultural economy.
