Maharashtra's Sugar Production Falls by 20% in 2024-25 Season
Maharashtra, India's leading sugar-producing state, has reported a significant decline in sugar production this season. As of
March 3, 2025, the state produced
7.61 million tonnes of sugar, down
20.03% from
9.52 million tonnes during the same period last year. The current sugarcane crushing season is nearing its end, with
81.22 million tonnes of sugarcane crushed, compared to
94.78 million tonnes in the previous season.
Reasons Behind the Drop in Sugar Production
Several factors have contributed to the reduced sugar output in Maharashtra:
- Early Mill Closures: 92 mills have ceased operations, including 40 in Solapur, 16 in Kolhapur, and 10 each in Pune, Nanded, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and 6 in Ahilyanagar. Last year, only 36 mills had stopped by this time.
- Lower Recovery Rate: The average sugar recovery rate this season is 9.37%, compared to 10.04% in the previous season.
- Operational Challenges: Mills shut down earlier due to low sugarcane yields and increased crushing capacity.
- Delayed Crushing Season: The season started late, and there was a shift of sugarcane to other regions, impacting the yield negatively.
Sugar Production Data for Maharashtra
Impact on National Sugar Production
The decline in Maharashtra's sugar output is expected to affect the entire country. The
Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has projected a
15% drop in national sugar production for the
2024-25 season. The estimated production is
27.2 million tonnes, compared to
32 million tonnes in
2023-24.
Will There Be a Sugar Shortage in India?
Despite the production drop, India is unlikely to face a sugar shortage. The country's annual sugar consumption is
28 million tonnes, and with an initial stock of
6 million tonnes, supply should remain stable. The current production levels, coupled with available stocks, are expected to meet domestic demand without causing supply disruptions.
