Sugar Surge: India's Early Production Hits 12.85 Lakh Tonnes
India's domestic sugar output jumps to 12.85 lakh tonnes as 184 mills begin operations, ensuring plenty of supply for the festive season.
India is stepping into the festive season with a sweet surplus. According to the latest data from the Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), domestic sugar output has seen a massive jump, reaching 12.85 lakh tonnes as of November 5, 2026. This marks a significant increase compared to the 3.20 lakh tonnes produced during the same period last year, when only 154 mills were active.
A Strong Start for the Crushing Season
The surge in production is primarily driven by the prompt start of crushing operations across the country. Currently, 184 sugar mills have commenced their operations, ensuring that there is more than enough sugar to meet the heightened demand typically seen during India's major festivals.
Deepak Ballani, Director General of ISMA, highlighted the positive trajectory of the current season. He noted that the combination of fresh production and approximately 36 lakh tonnes of carryover stocks from the previous season puts the country in a very comfortable position regarding domestic requirements.
Maharashtra Leads the Charge
Maharashtra has emerged as the powerhouse of this early momentum. The state has seen a dramatic rise in both operational capacity and output:
- Current Status: 136 operational mills have produced 10.78 lakh tonnes of sugar.
- Previous Year: During the same period in 2025, only 101 mills were active, producing a mere 1.23 lakh tonnes.
Performance Across Other States
While Maharashtra is dominating the numbers, other states are also contributing, albeit at different paces:
Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, 19 mills in the central and western regions have started crushing, yielding 0.20 lakh tonnes. This is a dip compared to the previous year, where 32 mills produced 1.10 lakh tonnes.
Southern and Western India
- Karnataka: Seven operational units, continuing from the special season, have recorded 0.90 lakh tonnes.
- Tamil Nadu: Seven mills have reported a production of 0.64 lakh tonnes.
- Gujarat & Telangana: Gujarat has 12 active mills, while Telangana has three. Together with other smaller regions, these 15 mills have contributed 0.33 lakh tonnes.
What Lies Ahead?
The industry expects production to accelerate even further in the coming weeks. According to ISMA, more factories in Western Uttar Pradesh are expected to start operations within a few days, with Central Uttar Pradesh following suit after the Diwali celebrations.
Furthermore, factories in Karnataka are poised to begin their main-season operations once certain farmer-related issues are resolved. With these additions, the volume of sugar entering the market is expected to increase substantially.
"ISMA reiterates that 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," stated Deepak Ballani.