Urgent Need for Rain for Sugarcane Crops in Some States

07-Sep-2026 03:52 PM

New Delhi. While the condition of the sugarcane crop has improved significantly in most parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat due to good rainfall, the outlook remains discouraging in parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu due to a lack of rain.

Data from the Union Ministry of Agriculture indicates that the national sugarcane cultivation area has lagged slightly behind last year's figures. As of September 4, the area under sugarcane stood at 58.47 lakh hectares, which is 40,000 hectares less than the previous year's 58.87 lakh hectares. This could raise concerns regarding sugar production.

While the sugarcane cultivation area has increased in some states, it has declined in others. Crops in South India are in dire need of good rainfall. The government may reduce the quantity of sugarcane diverted for ethanol production this season, as sugar stocks are limited and the government is likely to prioritize boosting sugar output.

Sugar prices had surged to record highs in August but have since come down significantly. Sugarcane crushing is expected to commence in mid-October, which will further improve sugar supplies.