India's sugar production to recover in the 2025-26 season, says Millers' body | Mint

According to the millers’ foyer, India’s sugar production will fall back in the 2025-26 season, powered by a higher reed surface in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Gross sugar production is estimated at 34.9 million tonnes this season compared to 29.5 million tonnes in 2024-25, an 18%increase, according to the first preliminary projection by the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA). Net production will depend on the distraction of sugar for ethanol, which is Ishma estimates that it is about 5 million tonnes, compared to 3.5 million tonnes in 2024-25, says Gautam Goel, president, Isma. “If 5 million tonnes of sugar are derived for the production of ethanol, the net production would be about 30 million tons.” According to Ishma, domestic consumption was estimated at 27.9 million tonnes in 2025-26 compared to last year’s 29.1 million tonnes. Goel attributes the higher question in 2024 to the lure Sabha election and the intense heat. According to Isma, based on the satellite images obtained in the last part of June 2025, the total area under sugar cane in the country is estimated to be approximately 5.72 million hectares in the 2025-26 sugar season compared to 5.71 million hectares in 2024-25. In Maharashtra, the reed area increased by 8% on the year to 1.49 million hectares for 2025-26. The overall crop quality this year is significantly better than last year, Isma said. Also in Karnataka, the sugarcane area increased by about 6% to 6.7 lakh hectare. The abundant rainfall in the soil moisture, overall production and crop quality in the two states, Isma said. However, in Uttar Pradesh, the reed area fell by 3% to 2.25 million hectares. However, the general condition of the standing crop is much better than last year. Maharashtra, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh contribute 75-80% of the country’s total sugar production. Deepak Ballani, Director General, Ishma, said it is still early to accurately predict crop production for the rest of the season. At this stage, the association releases provisional production estimates. The early estimates are intended to give an initial indication of the likely direction of the crop. At present, the crop is still in its early stages, and many factors will affect its ultimate quality and yield. Isma will reconsider the crop condition in August and September and will release its second preliminary estimate in September.