Sweet Surge: India’s Sugar Production Accelerates in 2025-26

India's sugar production increased by 7.70% in the 2025-26 season, reaching 27.39 million tonnes, primary driven by Maharashtra and Karnataka's higher output. While Uttar Pradesh saw a decline, overall sugar recovery improved. With most mills now closed, production has already exceeded last year's total output of 26.2 million tonnes.

In the 2025-26 sugar season, India's production witnessed a significant uptick, climbing by 7.70% to 27.39 million tonnes, according to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSF).

A notable surge was driven by Maharashtra, the leading producer, which saw a remarkable 23% rise, tallying 9.92 million tonnes as of April 15. Similarly, Karnataka's output grew by 16.70%, reaching 4.71 million tonnes. Contrarily, Uttar Pradesh experienced a slight decrease of about 2% to 8.92 million tonnes.

The sugar recovery rate also increased to 9.55% from last year's 9.37%. As most mills wind down operations, with only 21 still active, the season's production has already surpassed the 26.2 million tonnes recorded in 2024-25.

(With inputs from agencies.)