Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Maharashtra Sugar Production May Fall 20% During Crushing Season
Maharashtra grows a lot of sugarcane and makes a large amount of sugar.
This year, the state received less rain than usual.
Because of the dry conditions, each acre may produce 30-40% less sugarcane.
Sugar mills may therefore make about 20% less sugar than last season.
A sugar industry group expects production to be close to 80 lakh tonnes.
It says crushing the sugarcane early could help farmers earn money before their crops dry out.
Mills may also face problems getting enough water to operate later in the season.
Sugar prices are currently considered good, and officials have allowed mills to sell sugar directly into the market.
Maharashtra sugar production may decline nearly 20% to about 80 lakh tonnes.
West India Sugar Mills Association chairman Bhairavnath Thombre attributed the expected fall to rain shortages and lower sugarcane yields.
Sugarcane tonnage per acre has reportedly dropped 30-40% in several areas, despite a good planting area.
Thombre said early crushing from October 15 could help farmers and mills before crops dry out.
Water shortages and reservoirs being reserved for drinking may make mill operations difficult in January and February.
- Who
- The West India Sugar Mills Association and its chairman, Bhairavnath Thombre, made the assessment.
- What
- Maharashtra sugar production may fall by nearly 20% to about 80 lakh tonnes during the upcoming crushing season.
- When
- The assessment was reported on Monday, with crushing scheduled to begin early on October 15.
- Where
- The concern affects Maharashtra, particularly Marathwada, Vidarbha, Solapur and Ahilyanagar.
- Why
- A severe rain shortfall, reduced sugarcane yields, lower sugar recovery and water shortages are expected to reduce production.
- Expected production
- Nearly 80 lakh tonnes
- Projected decline
- About 20%
- Previous production
- Nearly 99 lakh tonnes in the past season of 2025-26
- Sugarcane yield decline
- 30-40% lower tonnage per acre
- Early crushing date
- October 15
- Most affected areas
- Marathwada, Vidarbha, Solapur and Ahilyanagar
- Water management
- Reservoirs have been reserved for drinking purposes