The 2026-27 sugar season in India has commenced as scheduled, with 107 sugar mills initiating crushing operations. The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has confirmed that domestic sugar availability remains robust, leading to expectations of stable prices in the market.
As of October 25, the current season's sugar production has reached approximately 4 lakh tonnes. This marks a significant increase compared to the roughly 60,000 tonnes produced by the same date last year. Furthermore, the previous 2025-26 sugar season concluded with a substantial carryover stock of about 36 lakh tonnes, which is contributing to the ample domestic supply for the current period.
Key States Begin Crushing Operations
Maharashtra, the nation's largest sugar-producing state, leads the charge with nearly 87 mills already operational. In Uttar Pradesh, two mills have started crushing, with further expansion anticipated in phases over the coming weeks as sugarcane matures across the region. Crushing activities in western Uttar Pradesh are expected to begin shortly, followed by central and eastern parts of the state. Additionally, 17 other mills across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Gujarat have also commenced their operations.
Government Measures Bolster Supply
ISMA highlights that the combination of existing carryover stocks, fresh production, and strategic government interventions are set to ensure sufficient sugar availability, particularly during the upcoming festive season. The government has extended the duty-free raw sugar import window and implemented stockholding limits, measures designed to support and stabilize domestic supplies. These steps, coupled with the early start of fresh crushing, are crucial for maintaining market availability.
“The 2026–27 sugar season has commenced on schedule, with nearly 107 mills already undertaking crushing operations across the country,” stated Deepak Ballani, Director General of ISMA. He added that India possesses more than enough sugar to meet domestic requirements comfortably, especially for festive-season demand, and reiterated the industry's commitment to steady supplies for consumers and timely cane payments for farmers.
The industry remains focused on ensuring a smooth supply chain and equitable returns for farmers, reinforcing the stability of India's sugar sector for the 2026-27 season.