India`s Sugar Output to Rise 18.6% in 2025-26: ISMA by Amit Gupta, Kedia Advisory
India’s sugar production for the 2025-26 marketing year is projected to rise 18.6% to 30.95 million tonnes, up from 26.1 million tonnes last year, according to the Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA). The increase is driven by higher yields in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. With opening stocks of 5 million tonnes and ethanol diversion estimated at 3.4 million tonnes, total sugar availability will reach 35.95 million tonnes, comfortably above the domestic requirement of 28.5 million tonnes. ISMA expects India to be in a strong position to export around 20 lakh tonnes this season, pending government approval.
Key Highlights
* Sugar output seen rising 18.6% to 30.95 million tonnes in 2025-26.
* Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka drive production gains.
* Opening stocks at 5 million tonnes; ethanol diversion at 3.4 million tonnes.
* Total sugar availability pegged at 35.95 million tonnes, exceeding demand.
* ISMA urges government to allow 20 lakh tonnes of sugar exports.
India’s sugar output is projected to rise sharply in the 2025-26 marketing year, with production expected to increase by 18.6% to 30.95 million tonnes, compared to 26.1 million tonnes in the previous year, according to the Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA). The surge in output is attributed to favourable weather, improved crop conditions, and expanded sugarcane acreage in major producing regions.
ISMA’s first advance estimate indicates opening stocks of 5 million tonnes, while ethanol diversion is projected at around 3.4 million tonnes. This brings the total sugar availability for 2025-26 to 35.95 million tonnes, comfortably surpassing the domestic requirement of 28.5 million tonnes.
Among major producing states, Maharashtra leads with an estimated 13 million tonnes, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 10.32 million tonnes and Karnataka at 6.35 million tonnes. Cane acreage has increased marginally to 5.735 million hectares, driven mainly by area gains in Maharashtra and Karnataka. However, Uttar Pradesh’s cane area declined about 3%, though the crop’s overall condition improved due to better water availability and a higher proportion of plant cane.
ISMA said India remains well-positioned to export up to 20 lakh tonnes of sugar this season, given the comfortable supply situation. The association has urged the government to announce its export policy early to help mills plan shipments effectively.
With strong production prospects and improved yields, India’s sugar industry is expected to maintain a stable balance between domestic supply and potential export opportunities.
Finally, robust crop conditions and higher acreage are set to boost India’s sugar output, ensuring adequate domestic supply and creating room for potential export opportunities in 2025-26.
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