India’s sugar sector recorded strong growth in the 2025 crushing season, with 499 sugar mills crushing 1,340 lakh tonnes of sugarcane up to December 31, 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 237 lakh tonnes, says a release from the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd.
During the period, new sugar production reached 118 lakh tonnes, up by 23 lakh tonnes compared to last year. The average sugar recovery also improved to 8.83 per cent, registering a rise of 0.16 percentage points year-on-year.
According to estimates, final net sugar production for the season is projected at 315 lakh tonnes, reflecting a significant increase of 53.20 lakh tonnes over the previous year.
This estimate excludes around 35 lakh tonnes of sugar expected to be diverted towards ethanol production. Updated state-wise data as of December 31, 2025, highlights improved performance across major sugar-producing states.
