Sugar output jumps to nearly 13 lakh tonnes so far in 2026-27 market year ISMA

New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) India's sugar production has jumped fourfold to 12.85 lakh tonnes so far in the 2026-27 marketing year, starting last month following the early start of the cane crushing season, according to the industry body ISMA.

    Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), in a statement on Friday, said the 184 sugar mills have commenced crushing operations across the country as of November 5, 2026, compared to 154 mills during the corresponding period of the preceding year.

    "Sugar production during the current season has reached 12.85 lakh tonnes, against 3.20 lakh tonnes produced by the corresponding date last year," it added.

    The higher production reflects the early commencement of crushing operations, particularly in Maharashtra, and the progressive start of operations in other major sugar-producing states.

    In Maharashtra, 136 sugar mills have commenced operations and are producing 10.78 lakh tonnes of sugar as of November 5, 2026, compared to 101 mills and 1.23 lakh tonnes in the year-ago period.

    In Uttar Pradesh, 19 mills have commenced crushing operations in western and central regions, producing 0.20 lakh tonnes of sugar.

    Most of the remaining factories in Western Uttar Pradesh are expected to commence operations over the next couple of days, while remaining factories in Central Uttar Pradesh are likely to start immediately after the Diwali festival.

    "With approximately 36 lakh tonnes of carryover stocks from the previous season and fresh production gathering momentum, the country is in a comfortable position to meet its domestic sugar requirements," Deepak Ballani, Director General, ISMA, said.

    He said there is sufficient sugar availability in the country to meet domestic consumption requirements, and the industry remains committed to maintaining adequate supplies in the domestic market.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)