As of 28 February 2026 (SS 2025–26), sugar production reached 247.54 lakh tons, compared to 220.17 lakh tons on the corresponding date last year, i.e. 12% higher. A total of 305 factories are currently operational, versus 330 mills operating at the same time last year.
Uttar Pradesh: The state has produced 74.83 lakh tons so far, an increase of 1.83 lakh tons (around 2.5%) over last year by end-February. At present, 105 mills are operational, similar to last year’s level.
Maharashtra & Karnataka: Production has reached 95.35 lakh tons in Maharashtra and 44.50 lakh tons in Karnataka, compared to 75.05 lakh tons and 38.20 lakh tons, respectively, during the same period last year. Around 113 factories are currently operating across both states, slightly lower than 117 operational mills during the corresponding period last season.
Notably, some mills in South Karnataka are expected to resume operations during the special season from June/July to September 2026.
The following table gives state-wise details of sugar production this year vis-à-vis last year:
State-Wise Detailed Operational Data: –
| YTD | 28th Feb’2026 | 28th Feb’2025 | ||||||
| Number of Factories | Number of Factories | |||||||
| ZONE |
Started |
Closed |
Operating |
Sugar Production (Lac Tons) |
Started |
Closed |
Operating |
Sugar Production (Lac Tons) |
| U.P. | 120 | 15 | 105 | 74.83 | 122 | 17 | 105 | 73.00 |
| Maharashtra | 210 | 122 | 88 | 95.35 | 200 | 106 | 94 | 75.05 |
| Karnataka | 81 | 56 | 25 | 44.50 | 78 | 55 | 23 | 38.20 |
| Gujarat | 14 | 6 | 8 | 6.52 | 15 | 2 | 13 | 6.82 |
| Tamil Nadu | 30 | 4 | 26 | 3.65 | 30 | 1 | 29 | 3.01 |
| Others | 81 | 28 | 53 | 22.69 | 87 | 21 | 66 | 24.09 |
| ALL INDIA | 536 | 231 | 305 | 247.54 | 532 | 202 | 330 | 220.17 |
(Note: Above sugar production figures are after diversion of sugar into ethanol)
As the sugar season advances and inventories rise, the industry continues to await an early upward revision of the Minimum Selling Price (MSP).
Deepak Ballani, DG, ISMA said, “With production costs increasing and ex-mill realisations lagging, mills are facing mounting cash-flow pressures, leading to higher cane payment arrears. In Maharashtra, arrears as of 15 Feb 2026 stand at ₹4,601 crore, compared to ₹2,744 crore on the same date last year. A timely MSP revision aligned with current cost structures is crucial to restore mill viability, expedite farmer payments, and maintain market stability, without any additional fiscal burden on the Government”.
