Sugar output expected to rise 18% in FY26

India's sugar production is expected to increase by 18% in the 2025-26 sugar season that begins in October, said a leading trade body.

The higher production will likely ease the supply tightness in the ongoing year due to lower production and help keep prices in check during the festival season, said industry experts. Industry body Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has pegged India's 2025-26 sugar production to jump to 349 lakh tonnes in its preliminary estimate released Thursday against last season's 295 lakh tonnes.

"Even though cane area has gone up only slightly to 57.24 lac hectares from 57.11 lac hectares in sugar season 2024-25, good rainfall has helped in enhancing cane productivity and improve sugar recovery," said Gautam Goel, president, ISMA.