The sugarcane crushing season in India is near its end, with only 19 sugar mills still operational as of April 30, according to data released by the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF).
As per NFCSF, as of April 30, crushing for the 2024-25 season is underway in 19 sugar mills across the country. A total of 2758.57 lakh tonnes (LMT) of sugarcane have been crushed, resulting in the production of 256.95 lakh tonnes of sugar. In comparison, during the same period in the previous season, 23 sugar mills were operational, and crushing had reached 3115.12 lakh tonnes of sugarcane, yielding 314.65 lakh tonnes of sugar.
In the ongoing season, 534 sugar mills participated in crushing operations, compared to 535 sugar mills last season, according to the sugar body.
The sugar recovery rate in the country is lower than in the previous season. As of April 30, 2025, the average sugar recovery rate stands at 9.31%, compared to 10.10% during the same period in the previous season.
As per NFCSF data, in terms of state-wise, Uttar Pradesh has seen 122 mills undertake crushing this season, of which 111 have concluded operations. The state has crushed 948 lakh tonnes of sugarcane, achieving an average sugar recovery of 9.75%, resulting in 92.45 lakh tonnes of sugar production, which is expected to close at around 92.50 lakh tonnes.
In Maharashtra, 200 mills participated in the season, of which 199 have completed crushing. One mill—Shri Vighnahar Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd. remains operational and is expected to conclude by 8th May. The state has crushed 851.58 lakh tonnes of sugarcane at an average recovery of 9.50%, yielding 80.90 lakh tonnes of sugar, which is projected to remain unchanged at season’s end, making Maharashtra the second-largest sugar-producing state.
In Karnataka, all 79 mills have completed operations, crushing 501.86 lakh tonnes of cane with an average recovery of 8.05%, producing 40.40 lakh tonnes of sugar. Including production from the special season, the final output is expected to reach 42 lakh tonnes.
In Tamil Nadu, 23 of 30 mills have completed crushing, with 57.49 lakh tonnes of cane processed at an average recovery of 8.35%, producing 4.80 lakh tonnes of sugar. Including the special season, production is expected to reach 7 lakh tonnes.
Taking into account output from other states such as Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Uttarakhand, and factoring in regional recoveries, the total sugar production for the country is estimated to be 261 lakh tonnes by season’s end. Additionally, around 32 lakh tonnes of sugar is expected to be diverted for ethanol production.
According to the NFCSF, for Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024–25, the sugar industry had proposed to divert 50 lakh tonnes of sugar equivalent towards ethanol production. Against this, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have allocated 40 lakh tonnes. However, the actual diversion is now expected to be around 32 lakh tonnes, slightly below the earlier estimate of 35 lakh tonnes. As of now, approximately 29 lakh tonnes has already been diverted. The shortfall is primarily attributed to the absence of a price revision for ethanol produced from sugarcane juice and B-heavy molasses, which has made sugar production comparatively more financially attractive. This shift has led to an additional 3 lakh tonnes of sugar being produced instead of being diverted for ethanol.
