Mumbai: Maharashtra will begin its 2026–27 sugarcane crushing season on October 15, advancing operations as the state seeks to bolster sugar supplies and contain retail prices that climbed to ₹70–75 per kg in August.
A high-level committee headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approved the earlier start despite sugar factories seeking a November 1 commencement.
Festive Demand In Focus
The decision comes ahead of Navratri, Dussehra and Diwali, when household sugar consumption typically rises. The government expects earlier crushing to improve availability and help prevent another price spike during the festive period.
The schedule is also earlier than recent seasons. Crushing began on November 1 in 2025 and November 15 in 2024.
Co-operation Minister Babasaheb Patil said the October 15 start was intended to address festive-season requirements and prevent damage to standing sugarcane.
However, mill owners and farmers have opposed an early start, arguing that cane harvested before November has lower maturity and sugar recovery, potentially hurting returns for both growers and factories.
Output Seen Near 98 LMT
Agriculture Department and MITCON estimates put Maharashtra’s sugarcane cultivation at 15.43–15.48 lakh hectares in 2026–27.
Total cane production is projected at 1,238–1,250 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), of which around 990–1,000 LMT is expected to be available for crushing.
Net sugar output is estimated at 96.45–97.58 LMT, based on a net recovery rate of 9.75%, after diverting nearly 15 LMT of sugar equivalent towards ethanol production.
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₹200 Crore FRP Arrears
During the 2025–26 season, 210 mills — comprising 102 cooperative and 108 private units — crushed 1,045 LMT of sugarcane, according to records as of August 31.
Patil said mills still owe about ₹200 crore in Fair and Remunerative Price arrears to farmers.
The government is taking action to recover the dues. Mills that fail to clear outstanding FRP payments will not be eligible for crushing licences for the upcoming season.
