Maharashtra sugar production fell sharply by 29 lakh tonnes

16-May-2025 06:06 PM

Pune. The sugarcane crushing and sugar production campaign in Maharashtra has concluded. During the 2024–25 marketing season, 200 sugar mills in the state participated in the crushing process, all of which were closed before May 15.

According to the final data, sugar production in the state declined sharply by 29 lakh tonnes, from 110.20 lakh tonnes in the 2023–24 season to 80.95 lakh tonnes in the current season.

Sugarcane crushing also fell significantly, from 1070 lakh tonnes last season to 850 lakh tonnes this time. Additionally, the average sugar recovery rate dropped from 10.27 percent to 9.50 percent.

Due to the reduced supply of sugarcane, the crushing period was also shortened considerably. Most mills operated for only 90 days, compared to the usual 130 to 150 days in previous years.

Maharashtra, once the leading sugar-producing state in India, lost its top position this season. During the 2024–25 season, 11 sugar mills closed in January, 95 in February, 89 in March, four in April, and one in May. The official end of the sugarcane crushing season in the state was declared on May 14.

Industry analysts believe that the shortened crushing period and lower recovery rate will have serious financial implications.

The sugar mills in the state are expected to incur a combined loss of around ₹10,700 crore compared to the previous season.

An additional loss of ₹2,960 crore is expected due to the decline in sugar recovery. The next sugarcane crushing season in Maharashtra is expected to begin in November 2025.