NFCSF says India sugar output up 14% YoY as of Sat; more UP mills close early
This story was originally published at 19:01 IST on 17 February 2026
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NEW DELHI – India's sugar output in the sugar year that started Oct. 1 rose about 14% to 22.53 million tonnes as of Saturday, supported by higher sugarcane crushing and improved recovery rates, according to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories. The average sugar recovery rate improved to 9.31% from 9.09% a year ago.
Of the 534 mills that were in operation, 80 have stopped crushing activities as of Saturday, compared with 75 a year ago, the federation said. Uttar Pradesh is witnessing more early closures this year. Of the 120 mills that were in operation in the state, nine had stopped crushing activities as of Saturday, compared with two a year ago, according to the NFCSF.
However, more mills have remained operational in Maharashtra and Karnataka, at 183 and 49, respectively. In the corresponding period in the sugar year 2024-25 (Oct-Sept), 170 mills were operational in Maharashtra and 45 in Karnataka.
Maharashtra has been the stellar performer with sugar output rising nearly 32% on year to around 9.0 million tonnes. Sugarcane crushing in the state jumped 30% on year to 96.04 million tonnes. The state's average sugar recovery rate rose to 9.35% from 9.20% a year ago.
In Uttar Pradesh, sugar output rose nearly 4% on year to 6.6 million tonnes even as cane crushing fell 2.6% on year to 66.26 million tonnes. Among major producers, Uttar Pradesh registered the highest sugar recovery rate at 9.90% from 9.30% year ago, according to the federation.
In Karnataka, sugar output rose 12% on year to 4.2 million tonnes as sugarcane crushing rose nearly 13% on year to 49.35 million tonnes. Among major producers, Karnataka had the lowest sugar recovery rate at 8.45% from 8.50% a year ago.
Industry bodies have estimated sugar production in 2025-26 to rise to 29.6-30.9 million tonnes, significantly up from 26.2 million tonnes in 2024-25. End
Reported by Afra Abubacker
Edited by Rajeev Pai
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