UP overtakes Maharashtra as India’s top sugar producer in 2024-25

Adverse weather conditions have altered crop and commodity production trends across the country. Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the leading cane-crushing and sugar-producing state in India, surpassing Maharashtra for the first time in the ongoing 2024-25 season.

According to cane industry data updated until April 15, Maharashtra, which produced 110.20 lakh metric tons (LMT) of sugar in the 2023-24 season, saw a dramatic decline in 2024-25, producing only 80.70 LMT—down by more than 26%.

In contrast, UP's sugar production fell by 11.7%, dropping from 103.65 LMT in 2023-24 to 91.50 LMT in 2024-25, a significantly smaller dip compared to other states. Karnataka, another key producer, also saw a sharp decline, with sugar production dropping from 53 LMT in 2023-24 to 42 LMT this season, a decrease of around 21%. On a national level, India’s sugar production fell from 319 LMT in 2023-24 to 299 LMT in 2024-25, a drop of about 19%. This decline has been primarily attributed to adverse weather conditions, including droughts and excessive rainfall, which have severely impacted sugarcane yields in major producing states.

UP’s success in maintaining its production levels was largely due to its continued operation of sugar mills. While Maharashtra had only one sugar mill running by mid-April, UP operated 22 sugar mills, which accounted for about 60% of the 37 mills operating nationwide. Tamil Nadu, which operates 10 mills, also saw a decrease in sugar production, from 10.75 LMT in 2023-24 to 7 LMT this year.

UP crushed over 937 LMT of sugarcane this season, slightly down from 959 LMT in the previous year. Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s cane crushing dropped from 1,064 LMT in 2023-24 to 848 LMT in 2024-25. Similarly, Karnataka experienced a fall in cane crushing, from 527 LMT to 475 LMT.

The reduced sugar output has led to a slowdown in sugar exports. Indian mills have contracted to export 600,000 metric tons of sugar for the 2024-25 marketing year, but experts have noted a decline in export pace, citing rising domestic prices and increased local demand.

The anticipated shortfall in production is also expected to affect global sugar prices, given India’s significant role as a major sugar exporter.

This situation highlights the ongoing challenges posed by climatic factors, underscoring their impact on agricultural productivity and the broader economy.