Sugar production rises to 12.85 lakh tonnes, 184 mills begin operations: ISMA
Sugar production during the current season has reached 12.85 lakh tonnes, against 3.20 lakh tonnes produced by the corresponding date last year.
The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has reported that the 2026-27 sugar season is progressing well, with 184 sugar mills starting crushing operations as of Thursday, an increase from 154 mills during the same period last year. Sugar production this season has reached 12.85 lakh tonnes, compared to 3.20 lakh tonnes at the corresponding time last year. This uptick in production is attributed to early commencement of crushing in Maharashtra and gradual start in other major producing states.
Maharashtra has made substantial progress, with 136 mills starting operations and producing 10.78 lakh tonnes of sugar by November 5, 2026, compared to 101 mills and 1.23 lakh tonnes in the same period last year. In Uttar Pradesh, 19 mills have begun crushing in the western and central regions, generating 0.20 lakh tonnes of sugar. The remaining factories in Western Uttar Pradesh are expected to start operations soon, while those in Central Uttar Pradesh are likely to begin after Diwali.
Karnataka has also shown steady progress, with seven factories continuing from the special season producing 0.90 lakh tonnes of sugar. Once farmer-related issues are resolved, more factories in the state will commence main-season operations. Tamil Nadu, with seven factories continuing from the special season, has produced 0.64 lakh tonnes of sugar. Gujarat, with 12 mills starting operations, and three mills in Telangana also beginning crushing, have contributed to the overall production.
Deepak Ballani, Director General of ISMA, stated that the current sugar season has begun on a positive note, with 184 mills having started operations and sugar production reaching 12.85 lakh tonnes as of November 5, 2026, compared to 3.20 lakh tonnes during the corresponding period last year. With about 36 lakh tonnes of carryover stocks from the previous season and fresh production accelerating, the country is well-positioned to meet its domestic sugar requirements.
Ballani further emphasized that there is ample sugar availability to meet domestic consumption needs, and the industry is committed to maintaining adequate supplies in the domestic market.
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