India has produced 257.44 lakh tonnes of sugar, with two sugar mills still operational as of May 15, Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said in a statement on Thursday.
As per ISMA, two operational mills are located in Tamil Nadu, where the main crushing season is still underway. To augment production, several factories in South Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are expected to resume operations during the special crushing season, which typically runs from June/July to September 2025. Historically, the special season in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu contributes approximately 4 to 5 lakh tonnes during the special season.
The table below provides a state-wise breakdown of sugar production for the current season:
Sugar season 2024–25: Production and stock outlook
The 2024–25 sugar season is projected to conclude with a net sugar production of approximately 261 to 262 lakh tonnes. This includes 257.44 lakh tonnes produced up to mid-May, along with an estimated 4 to 5 lakh tonnes anticipated from the special crushing season in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The season commenced with an opening stock of 80 lakh tonnes. Considering the projected domestic consumption of 280 lakh tonnes and export estimates of upto 9 lakh tonnes, the closing stock is likely to be around 52 – 53 lakh tonnes. This reflects a comfortable buffer, ensuring that the country have the sufficient sugar stock to meet its domestic sugar demand.
As per the supplies upto 30th April 2025, approximately 27 lakh tonnes of sugar have been diverted for ethanol production during the current season. An additional 6 to 7 lakh tonnes are expected to be diverted over the remaining season.
ISMA sees optimistic outlook for the 2025–26 Sugar Season. According to the sugar body, the 2025–26 sugar season is shaping up to be promising, buoyed by several positive developments across key sugar-producing regions.
ISMA in a statement stated that in the southern states, particularly Maharashtra and Karnataka, sugarcane planting has shown significant improvement, thanks to a favorable southwest monsoon in 2024. Supported by a strong cane availability, the stage is set for a timely start to the crushing season in October 2025.
“In the northern belt, including Uttar Pradesh, varietal replacement initiatives are expected to yield tangible benefits. These efforts are expected to result in higher cane yields and improved sugar recovery rates. Adding to this positive momentum are climate forecasts from both the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Skymet, which predict a normal southwest monsoon in 2025. This bodes well for crop health and production, strengthening confidence in a robust and productive sugar season ahead,” the sugar body further added.
