Sugar Production in India to Rise 18%, Industry Seeks Action

Sugar production in India is estimated to soar by 18 percent to 349 lakh tonnes in 2025-26 crop year, as compared to 295 lakh tonnes in the previous season.

The Indian Sugar and Bio Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said in its first estimates today. This projected increase, brought about by positive rains and better cane recovery, has motivated industry leaders, to press the government, to permit timely sugar exports and to divert more to ethanol production.

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“With higher gross sugar output expected in the next season, there is scope for export of 20 lakh tonne in 2025-26 season,” Indian Sugar and Bio Energy Manufacturers Association’s (ISMA) president Gautam Goel said.

In the continuing season of 2024-25, production of sugar is estimated at 261 lakh tonnes, and thus far 10 lakh tonnes have been allowed to be exported. In comparison, the new season is projected to experience significant improvements in significant producing states with Maharashtra likely to get 133 lakh tonnes compared to 93.3 lakh tonnes last year, an improvement in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh as well.

The industry also wants the government to lower the minimum price at which sugar can be sold and raise the price of ethanol made out of B-molasses and cane juice. As 40,000 crore has already been spent on ethanol production plants, it is felt that government has to provide a timely policy support to achieve biofuel targets and to regulate the increasing production in an efficient manner.