Sugar Industry Update : Production Declines by 5.8 Million Tonnes
The sugar industry, considered the backbone of Maharashtra's agrarian economy, is facing a major setback this year. According to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories, sugar production has fallen by 18%, equivalent to a sharp decline of 5.8 million tonnes compared to last year. This unexpected drop has created a sense of concern across the national sugar sector.
Sugar factories began operating in Maharashtra during the 1960s, with the first factory established by Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil, a pioneer in the cooperative movement. Today, Maharashtra is home to over 200 sugar mills, making it a key player in the national sugar economy. India, known for being the largest producer of sugarcane and the second-largest producer of sugar in the world, is now facing production-related challenges.
Decline in Production: A Snapshot
Last year’s sugar production: 315 lakh tonnes
This year’s production: 257 lakh tonnes
Decline: 58 lakh tonnes (5.8 million tonnes), or 18%
Several factors have contributed to this decline:
Delayed start to the crushing season
Diversion of sugarcane to other regions
Reduced crop yields
Climate-related disruptions, including unseasonal rainfall and erratic weather patterns
These issues have significantly impacted sugar output and raised concerns for the upcoming seasons.
Regional Performance and the Road Ahead
Despite the overall decline, regions like Kolhapur have recorded strong performance in sugar production. Other notable contributors include Pune, Solapur, Ahilyanagar, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Experts and industry leaders are calling for urgent reforms across the entire production chain—from sugarcane cultivation to manufacturing. Adoption of modern technologies, improved government cooperation, and strengthening of cooperative sugar mills are seen as essential steps toward ensuring the industry’s long-term sustainability.
With proper coordination between the government and sugar cooperatives, there is optimism that the sugar industry in Maharashtra and across India can recover and thrive in the future.