Sugar output rises 7% to 275 lakh tonnes: ISMA

India’s sugar production (SS 2025–26) stood at 275.28 lakh tonnes as of April 30, up about 7% from 256.49 lakh tonnes a year earlier. Only 5 mills remain operational, compared with 19 at the same point last season, according to a statement by the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA).

Uttar Pradesh has produced 89.65 lakh tons, against last year's production of 92.40 lakh tonnes. All factories in the state have closed their operations this season, whereas 10 mills were operational on the corresponding date last year.

Maharashtra and Karnataka have produced 99.2 lakh tonnes and 48.01 lakh tonnes, respectively, compared to 80.93 lakh tonnes and 40.40 lakh tonnes during the same period last year. All the factories in both states have closed their operations for the main season. However, a few mills in Karnataka will also operate in the special season from June/July 2026.


Additionally, some mills in Tamil Nadu will also continue their operations in the special season, according to the release. Historically, special season operations in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu together contribute around 5 lakh tons of sugar production.

The following table gives state-wise details of sugar production this year vis-à-vis last year:

YTD	30th April’2026				30th April’2025
	Number of Factories			Sugar Production (Lakh Tons)	Number of Factories			Sugar Production (Lakh Tons)
ZONE	Started	Closed	Operating		Started	Closed	Operating
U.P.	121	121	0	89.65	122	112	10	92.40
Maharashtra	210	210	0	99.20	200	199	1	80.93
Karnataka	81	81	0	48.01	80	80	0	40.40
Gujarat	14	14	0	7.20	15	15	0	8.92
Tamil Nadu	30	25	5	5.38	30	22	8	4.76
Others	83	83	0	25.84	88	88	0	29.08
ALL INDIA	539	534	5	275.28	535	516	19	256.49

(Note: Above sugar production figures are after diversion of sugar into ethanol)