Maharashtra sugar production falls 26.6 percent

18-Apr-2025 06:12 PM

Pune. Sugar production in Maharashtra has dropped sharply this season due to a decline in sugarcane output and increased diversion for ethanol production.

The crushing season ended early, with 199 out of 200 sugar mills closing by April 15, 2025. Only one mill remains operational.

Once the top sugar-producing state, Maharashtra has now slipped to second place behind Uttar Pradesh, which has produced about 91 lakh tonnes of sugar with 22 mills still running.

In Maharashtra, sugarcane production fell by 20.6 percent from 1073.90 lakh tonnes last season to 852.34 lakh tonnes. As a result, sugar output dropped by 26 percent—from 110.09 lakh tonnes to 80.76 lakh tonnes.

Another key factor was the drop in the average recovery rate of sugar, which declined from 10.25 percent last season to 9.47 percent this time.

While crushing capacity in the state increased, the reduced availability of sugarcane and its diversion for ethanol affected sugar production.

This sharp decline is likely to pose challenges ahead. Farmers’ incomes have fallen, and mills may struggle to benefit from high market prices due to lower output.

Supply concerns in the sugar market could intensify. The new crushing season in Maharashtra is expected to begin in November 2025.