New Delhi: The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) confirmed on Tuesday that there is a stable and adequate supply of sugar for the current 2024-25 marketing season (October to September), alleviating any worries regarding possible shortages or supply issues.
The sugar marketing season in India spans from October to September.
ISMA projected a closing stock of 54 lakh tonnes by September 2025, indicating that the country's sugar reserves will be "more than sufficient" to satisfy domestic consumption.
As of March 15, 2025, ISMA reported that India had produced approximately 238 lakh tonnes of sugar, with around 200 sugar mills (38 percent of the total) still in operation.
In Uttar Pradesh, ISMA noted that nearly 75 percent of factories are functioning, and enhanced cane recovery is anticipated to prolong the crushing season until April.
Although Maharashtra and Karnataka faced lower cane yields, ISMA indicated that operations at certain mills in Karnataka are expected to resume during a special season in June/July 2025.
Mills in Tamil Nadu are also scheduled to operate during this timeframe.
Following a review by ISMA's Executive Committee on March 12, 2025, the net sugar production estimate was adjusted to 264 lakh tonnes after accounting for 35 lakh tonnes diverted for ethanol production.
"Despite lower output in some areas, the association assures that sugar availability will adequately meet domestic demand," ISMA stated.
ISMA expresses a positive outlook for the 2025-26 season, supported by favorable weather and enhanced planting efforts.
"The 2024 monsoon has significantly boosted cane planting, especially in Maharashtra and Karnataka, paving the way for a timely commencement of the crushing season in October 2025," stated ISMA.
The leading industry organization noted that the government's recent sugar export policy has been advantageous for the sector.
Following restrictions on sugar trade during the 2023-24 season, the central government permitted sugar producers to export 1 million tonnes of sugar on January 21 of this year. The previous year's export limitations were likely implemented to ensure price stability in the domestic market.
ISMA indicated that this policy has "greatly benefited the industry."
"This initiative has helped to balance domestic sugar inventories while providing financial security to millers. The timely exports have enabled mills to make prompt payments to cane suppliers, positively impacting 5.5 crore farmers and their families," ISMA added.
