Sugar Production Expected to Rebound in 2025–26 Season, Says ISMA

05-Jun-2025 04:37 PM

New Delhi. The apex body of private sugar mills, the Indian Sugar and Bio Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), has estimated that domestic sugar production will rise to above 295 lakh tonnes in the upcoming marketing season (October-September) of 2025-26. This expectation is based on an anticipated increase in sugarcane sowing area and favorable weather conditions, which are likely to enhance both the average yield of sugarcane and the sugar recovery rate.

Although sugar production in the current 2024-25 marketing season has dropped to the lowest level in the past five years, there is no concern about shortages due to a large carryover stock from previous years. The India Meteorological Department has forecast good monsoon rains, which are essential for sugarcane cultivation.

A significant quantity of sugar has been diverted for ethanol production this season, and the export of 10 lakh tonnes of sugar is underway. According to the Director General of ISMA, weather conditions in major sugar-producing states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka have been favourable, leading to an expected increase in sugarcane acreage and healthy crop development. As a result, the sugar crushing season is likely to start on time in October 2025.

The projected increase in domestic sugar production for 2025-26 will ensure sufficient supply for both food consumption and ethanol manufacturing. ISMA expects that at the end of the current season, on 30 September 2025, the industry will have a carryover surplus stock of about 53-54 lakh tonnes, enough to meet demand for the initial two months of the next season.