Sugar season 2026–27 begins on schedule, nearly 107 mills commence operations across India: ISMA
In Maharashtra, the country’s largest sugar-producing state, close to 87 mills have commenced operations. More mills are expected to start in the coming week as cane harvesting gathers pace.
The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) declared the onset of the 2026-27 sugar season on time across significant sugar-producing states in India. Nearly 107 sugar mills, including 87 in Maharashtra, two in Uttar Pradesh, and 17 in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Gujarat, have initiated crushing operations. Maharashtra, the country's leading sugar-producing state, is expected to see more mills start within the week as cane harvesting intensifies.
Uttar Pradesh's crushing has also begun, with two mills already operational. The sugar season will unfold gradually, in accordance with the usual timetable. Crushing in Western Uttar Pradesh is anticipated to commence in the next three to four days, followed by Central Uttar Pradesh and Eastern Uttar Pradesh as cane ripens in the region.
The prompt start of operations showcases the industry's readiness, along with farmers and state governments, and the abundant supply of sugarcane. Following the previous season, 2025-26, there were around 36 lakh tonnes of carryover stocks, ensuring domestic consumption needs were met. As of October 25, 2026, sugar production during the current season had reached approximately 4 lakh tonnes, compared to around 0.6 lakh tonnes on the same date last year.
So far, 107 sugar mills have started crushing operations across India, and production in other states is progressing as per their seasonal schedules. The government has taken steps to bolster domestic supply, such as extending the duty-free raw sugar import period and setting stockholding limits. These efforts, combined with existing carryover stocks and new production, ensure adequate sugar availability for domestic consumption during the festival season.
Deepak Ballani, ISMA's Director General, stated that the 2026-27 sugar season kicked off as planned, with 107 mills already engaged in crushing activities nationwide. India possesses ample sugar to fulfill domestic demands, and there's no reason to worry about supply. The industry is fully committed to maintaining steady supplies for consumers and timely cane payments to farmers.
Domestic sugar needs during the festive season are expected to be comfortably satisfied, and prices are projected to remain stable. As additional mills begin operations, availability will further increase, reinforcing the industry's dedication to uninterrupted supplies for domestic consumers.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times - Economy's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
