Maharashtra Set to Regain Top Spot in Sugar Production

06-Nov-2025 05:37 PM

Pune. After holding the number one position in sugar production for several years, Maharashtra has slipped to second place in the 2024-25 season, with Uttar Pradesh becoming the leading producer.

Even in the previous 2023-24 season, the difference in sugar production between the two states was very small. If ISMA data is to be believed, Maharashtra could once again become the largest sugar producer in the current marketing season of 2025-26, surpassing Uttar Pradesh.

Data from the Indian Sugar and Bio Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) shows that sugarcane acreage in Maharashtra increased by 89,000 hectares from 13.82 lakh hectares last season to 14.71 lakh hectares this time.

On the other hand, in Uttar Pradesh, the area under sugarcane has decreased from 23.30 lakh hectares to 22.57 lakh hectares.

Although Uttar Pradesh is far ahead of Maharashtra in terms of sugarcane cultivation area, the average sugar recovery rate from sugarcane there is relatively low and a large quantity of sugarcane is also used in the production of jaggery.

According to ISMA, sugar production in Maharashtra is expected to jump by 39 percent from 93.51 lakh tonnes in the 2024-25 season to 130 lakh tonnes in the current season of 2025-26. This also includes sugar used in ethanol production.

Although sugar production is also expected to improve in Uttar Pradesh, an increase of only 2.10 lakh tonnes is estimated there.

According to ISMA, sugar production in Uttar Pradesh is expected to increase from 101.01 lakh tonnes to 103.20 lakh tonnes. This also includes sugar used in ethanol production.