Over 50% of Maharashtra Sugar Mills Start Crushing Early for Diwali
In response to rising sugar prices and farmer protests, over half of Maharashtra's sugar mills have initiated crushing operations ahead of schedule.
More than half of Maharashtra's sugar mills have begun crushing this week.
The Central government has urged mills to start operations by October 15.
Fresh sugar supplies are expected to hit the market within a week.
In a proactive move to address rising sugar prices and ensure adequate supply ahead of Diwali, more than 50% of sugar mills in Maharashtra have commenced crushing operations this week, significantly ahead of the usual schedule. This decision comes amidst concerns over potential crop losses due to drought-like conditions affecting sugarcane crops, which have led to increased prices over the past fortnight.
Historically, sugar mills in Maharashtra typically begin their crushing operations later in the month. However, with the festive season approaching and the government advising an earlier start, many mills have responded by ramping up production. The urgency is further fueled by ongoing protests from sugarcane farmers, who are advocating for better prices and conditions.
Mill operators indicate that it generally takes about four to five days from the start of crushing for sugar to be processed and ready for dispatch. With several mills already operational, the market can expect fresh supplies to be available by the end of next week. The Central government has allocated a sugar quota of 16 lakh tonnes for the fortnight starting October 13, aiming to stabilize the market during the festival season.
Despite these efforts, sugar prices have continued to rise, and industry insiders note that mills have limited ability to control market fluctuations. Some mills have faced delays in starting their operations due to ongoing farmer protests and the need for administrative approvals, which has added to the complexity of the situation.
Looking ahead, as more mills gear up for crushing, the state government’s decision to allow operations from October 15 is expected to further accelerate production. Stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, hoping that increased supply will help mitigate rising prices as the festive season approaches.
