Maharashtra Sugar Production Forecast for 2026-27 Revised to 90.18 Lakh Tonnes
Maharashtra's sugar output estimate for the 2026-27 season has been reduced due to poor rainfall and declining cane quality.
Revised sugar production estimate is 90.18 lakh tonnes, down from 102.5 lakh tonnes.
The state is expected to produce about 1,127 lakh tonnes of sugarcane over 15.43 lakh hectares.
Concerns over supply arise as sugar prices rise in local markets amid lower production outlook.
The Maharashtra government has revised its sugar production estimate for the 2026-27 season to 90.18 lakh tonnes, a decrease of nearly nine lakh tonnes from the previous season. This adjustment comes from the state sugar commissionerate, which cited inadequate rainfall and declining sugarcane quality as primary factors influencing this downward revision. The previous estimate of 102.5 lakh tonnes was released in September, prompting the reassessment due to ongoing concerns about rainfall deficits in key sugarcane-growing areas.
State Sugar Commissioner Sanjay Kolte confirmed that the updated estimate reflects data on sugarcane availability collected until August. He noted that the anticipated decline in production is largely due to unfavorable agro-climatic conditions affecting crop health. The department is currently in the process of collecting data for September, which may lead to further adjustments in the production forecast.
For the upcoming season, Maharashtra is projected to produce approximately 1,127 lakh tonnes of sugarcane across more than 15.43 lakh hectares, with an average yield estimated at 74 tonnes per hectare. In contrast, the previous season saw a production of 1,316 lakh tonnes of sugarcane with a higher yield of 95 tonnes per hectare, resulting in over 99 lakh tonnes of sugar produced, solidifying Maharashtra's position as the leading sugar-producing state in India.
The revised production outlook raises concerns about potential supply shortages in light of rising sugar prices in Maharashtra's markets. However, officials from the sugar commissionerate are optimistic that the Centre's intervention and an earlier start to the sugar crushing season will help ensure adequate domestic supply. The commencement of the crushing season has been moved up to October 15 from November 1 to accommodate festive demand.
Despite these measures, the Maharashtra State Co-operative Sugar Factories Federation (MSCSFF) has expressed caution regarding the feasibility of meeting the revised production target. Federation vice-chairman Pratap Ohol emphasized that while mills will strive to exceed the commissioner’s estimate, challenges such as deteriorating cane quality due to insufficient rainfall and higher temperatures could hinder production. The reliance of several sugarcane-growing regions on adequate rainfall further complicates the situation as these climatic conditions have adversely impacted crop development, posing additional challenges for the 2026-27 crushing season.
