The sugarcane crushing operations for 2025-26 season in Maharashtra has gained momentum. According to the latest report from the Sugar Commissionerate, a total of 147 sugar mills have commenced operations as of November 19, 2025.
The data indicates a robust start to the season compared to the previous year. Currently, mills across the state have crushed a total of 117.27 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of sugarcane, resulting in the production of 86.81 lakh quintals of sugar. The average sugar recovery rate for the state currently stands at 7.40%
Out of the 147 operational mills, 77 are from the cooperative sector, while 70 are private units. The Kolhapur division continues to lead the state in terms of both crushing volume and sugar recovery.
Kolhapur: 30 mills are operational, crushing 29.61 LMT of cane with a state-highest recovery rate of 8.55%.
Pune: Following closely, the Pune division has 23 mills in operation. They have crushed 27.57 LMT of cane with a recovery rate of 7.96%.
Solapur: While the Solapur division has the highest number of active mills (32), they have crushed 27.38 LMT of cane with a recovery rate of 6.76%.
The current season shows a increase in activity compared to the same period last season. By this date in the previous season, only 91 mills were operational, having crushed just 13.5 LMT of cane with a recovery rate of 4.2%.
Region-wise crushing, sugar production and recovery (As of Nov 19, 2025):
| Region | No. of Mills | Cane Crushed (Lakh MT) | Sugar Produced (Lakh Qtls) | Recovery (%) |
| Kolhapur | 30 | 29.61 | 25.32 | 8.55 |
| Pune | 23 | 27.57 | 21.94 | 7.96 |
| Solapur | 32 | 27.38 | 18.51 | 6.76 |
| Ahilya Nagar | 21 | 14.71 | 9.75 | 6.63 |
| Ch. Sambhajinagar | 15 | 9.75 | 6.00 | 6.15 |
| Nanded | 24 | 7.30 | 4.56 | 6.25 |
| Amravati | 2 | 0.95 | 0.73 | 7.68 |
| Nagpur | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 147 | 117.27 | 86.81 | 7.40 |
