Sugarcane crushing for the 2025–26 season has accelerated in Maharashtra, with operations gaining momentum throughout the state. According to the latest figures from the Sugar Commissionerate, 181 sugar mills commenced crushing operations as of December 8, 2025.
Currently, mills across the state have crushed a total of 307.2 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of sugarcane, resulting in the production of 251.59 lakh quintals of sugar. The average sugar recovery rate for the state currently stands at 8.19%.
Out of the 181 operational mills, 90 are from the cooperative sector, while 91 are private units. The Kolhapur division continues to lead the state in terms of both sugar production and sugar recovery.
Kolhapur: 35 mills are operational, crushing 71.22 LMT of cane with a state-highest recovery rate of 9.53%. Sugar production in the region stands at 67.89 lakh quintals.
Pune: Following closely, the Pune division has 28 mills in operation. They have crushed 73.15 LMT of cane with a recovery rate of 8.54%. Sugar production in the region stands at 62.48 lakh quintals.
Solapur: While the Solapur division has the highest number of active mills (41), they have crushed 65.21 LMT of cane with a recovery rate of 7.42%.
The current season shows a increase in activity compared to the same period last season. By this date in the previous season, 189 mills were operational, having crushed 150.3 LMT of cane with a recovery rate of 7.74%.
