News Capsule: Sharp Rise in Sugar Production; Buzz Builds Over Possible MSP Hike
20-Jan-2026 10:54 AM
News Capsule: Sharp Rise in Sugar Production; Buzz Builds Over Possible MSP Hike
★ According to ISMA, India’s sugar production reached 159.09 lakh tonnes as of January 15, 2026, which is 22% higher than last year. During the same period last year, production stood at 130.44 lakh tonnes. The number of operating sugar mills has also increased to 518 from 500 in the previous season.
★ In Uttar Pradesh, sugar production rose by 8%, up 3.23 lakh tonnes year-on-year to 46.05 lakh tonnes. In Maharashtra, production jumped by 51% to 64.5 lakh tonnes, while Karnataka recorded a 13% increase to 31.05 lakh tonnes.
★ In Maharashtra, the number of sugar mills increased to 204 this season from 196 in the previous season.
★ With state governments in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana increasing sugarcane prices, the Bihar government has also raised the cane price by ₹15 per quintal to ₹380 per quintal.
★ While the FRP is being increased, there has been no change in the MSP so far.
★ Farmers’ dues are also gradually increasing, and in this context, ISMA has urged the government to raise the MSP.
★ Over the past one week, market chatter about a possible MSP hike has intensified, leading to a price rise of ₹25–50.