Kolhapur: Sugar production in Maharashtra has reached 91 lakh metric tonnes as the crushing season enters its final stage. So far, 50 sugar mills across the state have shut down operations, according to data from the State Sugar Commissioner’s office.
Speaking to Chinimandi, State Sugar Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Kolte said, “As per the data available with us, sugar mills in the state have produced 91 lakh metric tonnes of sugar by crushing 980 lakh metric tonnes of sugarcane till February 20. A total of 50 mills have closed their crushing operations.”
Officials said 210 sugar mills participated in the 2025-26 season, including 103 from the cooperative sector and 107 from the private sector.
Meanwhile, the Sugar Commissionerate has begun inspections of mills across the state to monitor pending payments and ensure that farmers receive their cane dues without further delay. Officials said they are collecting details of payments made by mills and have already instructed them to clear cane bills on time, failing which action will be taken as per rules.
Commissioner Kolte has also directed mills to ensure timely payment of the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) to farmers. He warned that mills would be required to pay 15 per cent interest, as per rules, on any delay in FRP payments for the 2025-26 season.
