India's 2025-26 sugar production expected to rise 18.6%, says Isma

India’s sugar production is expected to rise 18.58 per cent to 30.95 million tonnes (mt) in the 2025-26 marketing year that began in October, up from 26.1 mt in the previous year, the Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (Isma) said on Tuesday.

 

Isma said opening stocks stood at 5 mt, while ethanol diversion is estimated at around 3.4 million tonnes for the current year.

 

Total sugar availability, including opening stocks and higher production, would reach 35.95 million tonnes in 2025-26, exceeding the domestic requirement of 28.5 mt, Isma said in its first advance estimate for the new marketing year.

 

Higher output is expected from increased production in the top three sugar-producing states – Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.

 

Maharashtra's production is pegged at 13 mt, Uttar Pradesh at 10.32 mt, and Karnataka at 6.35 mt for 2025-26.

 

"With a comfortable sugar balance, India is well-positioned to export nearly 2 mt this season. We have strongly urged the government to announce the export policy at the earliest," Isma said.

 

Total sugarcane acreage is estimated marginally higher at 5.735 million hectares in the 2024-25 crop year (July-June).