India’s sugar industry has witnessed dynamic growth over the past three years, with 17 new sugar mills established across five key states.
Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, shared this information in the Lok Sabha while addressing questions related to the sugar sector.
She stated, “The Sugar industry was deleted from list of industries that required compulsory licensing, vide press note dated 31.08.1998. After that, any entrepreneur is free to set up sugar mill in any part of the country as per provisions laid down in clause 6A to 6E of Sugarcane (Control), Order 1966 as amended from time to time. Further, in sugar season 2024-25, total 534 sugar mills are operational across the country. During the last three years, total 17 sugar Mills have been established in the country.”
Karnataka has emerged as the frontrunner, adding six new mills to its operational network over the past three years. The establishment of these modern mills is expected to generate significant local employment and support rural economies, further strengthening Karnataka’s role in India’s sugar sector.
Maharashtra has welcomed five new sugar mills during this period, while Madhya Pradesh has seen the establishment of four new mills. Uttar Pradesh, India’s leading sugar-producing state, added one more mill to its already extensive network.
Telangana, known for its efforts to revive its sugar sector, also saw the establishment of a new mill. This initiative aligns with broader local efforts to rejuvenate agro-based industries and support farmer welfare policies.
In the current season, India’s sugar production has declined by 18.38%, falling to 25.82 million tonnes as of July in the 2024–25 season, compared to the same period last year. This drop is attributed to lower output in major sugar-producing states, according to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSF).
