metro india news  I new delhi

India’s sugar production registered a sharp increase of 23.43 per cent during the first quarter of the ongoing 2025–26 sugar season (October–December), largely driven by a strong recovery in Maharashtra, according to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF).

Sugar output during the three-month period rose to 11.83 million tonnes, compared with 9.56 million tonnes in the corresponding period of the previous season. For context, total sugar production in the entire 2024–25 season stood at 26.18 million tonnes.

NFCSF data showed that as of December 31, a total of 499 sugar mills were operational across the country. These mills crushed nearly 134 million tonnes of sugarcane, resulting in sugar production of about 11.8 million tonnes. The average sugar recovery rate during the period was recorded at 8.83 per cent.

Uttar Pradesh, India’s largest sugar-producing state, reported a moderate increase in output, rising to 3.56 million tonnes in October–December 2025–26 from 3.26 million tonnes a year earlier.

Maharashtra, the country’s second-largest sugar producer, posted the most significant growth, with production surging 63 per cent to 4.87 million tonnes from 2.99 million tonnes in the same period last season. Karnataka also saw an improvement, with sugar output increasing to 2.21 million tonnes from 2.05 million tonnes.

Other sugar-producing states reported steady output levels. Gujarat produced around 2.85 lakh tonnes of sugar, Bihar 1.95 lakh tonnes, and Uttarakhand about 1.30 lakh tonnes during the period.

Looking ahead, NFCSF has estimated India’s total sugar production for the 2025–26 season at 31.5 million tonnes, excluding an expected diversion of about 3.5 million tonnes for ethanol production.