India’s Sugar Output Rises 7.7% to 27.39 Million Tonnes So Far in 2025-26 Season

India’s sugar production has risen 7.7% year-on-year to 27.39 million tonnes so far in the 2025-26 sugar season, helped by stronger output in Maharashtra and Karnataka, according to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd. The figure compares with 25.43 million tonnes during the same period last year. India’s sugar season runs from October to September.

The latest state-wise data shows that Maharashtra, the country’s top producer, posted the sharpest increase, with output rising 23% to 9.92 million tonnes as of April 15, 2026, up from 8.06 million tonnes a year earlier. Karnataka, the third-largest producer, also recorded a strong gain, with production climbing 16.7% to 4.71 million tonnes from 4.04 million tonnes.

In contrast, Uttar Pradesh, India’s second-largest sugar-producing state, saw output edge down by about 2% year-on-year to 8.92 million tonnes. Even so, improved recovery rates at the national level helped lift overall production. Average sugar recovery stood at 9.55% till April 15, compared with 9.37% in the corresponding period last season.

A notable milestone is that sugar production so far has already crossed the entire 2024-25 season’s total output of 26.2 million tonnes. Out of 541 mills that operated this season, crushing was still under way in only 21 mills, indicating that the current season is now nearing its end.

At the same time, the stronger year-on-year output does not fully remove supply concerns. Reuters reported earlier this month that India could still face a second straight year of sugar deficit, with total 2025-26 production expected to remain below 28 million tonnes, versus domestic demand estimated at 28.5–29 million tonnes. That means the late-season production improvement offers some relief, but the market may still remain tight if consumption stays firm.