Urgent Need for Rain in Major Sugarcane Regions
10-Jul-2025 04:33 PM
New Delhi. Although total rainfall at the national level has been 15 percent above the normal average, there is a significant shortage of rain in the major sugarcane-producing states—Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Andhra-Telangana.
According to data from the Meteorological Department, 28 out of 75 districts in Uttar Pradesh are facing a severe rainfall deficit. Similarly, 12 out of 31 districts in Karnataka are reporting rain shortage.
All 33 districts of Bihar are experiencing rainfall deficiency, along with 20 out of 38 districts in Tamil Nadu, 14 out of 26 districts in Andhra Pradesh, and 17 out of 33 districts in Telangana. The Marathwada division of Maharashtra is also receiving less than normal rainfall.
Government data indicates a slight increase in sugarcane sowing area across the country this year compared to last year, but the final output will heavily depend on how the weather and monsoon behave in key growing regions.
Last year, uneven rainfall—with some areas receiving too little and others too much—caused considerable damage to the sugarcane crop, leading to a significant decline in sugar production for the 2024-25 season.
Despite a reported rise in sugarcane sowing area last year, production still fell, underscoring that favorable weather is crucial for a good harvest.
States such as Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have been receiving adequate rainfall, and sugarcane crops in these regions are not under significant threat. However, the situation in top-producing states remains uncertain.
Sugarcane crushing is set to begin in October, and the weather during July and August will be critical for crop development.
The Meteorological Department has predicted above-normal rainfall at the national level in July. If good rains occur in major sugarcane-producing areas, there is potential for strong sugar production.
Industry associations have roughly estimated domestic sugar production at around 350 lakh tonnes for the 2025-26 marketing season.