India’s 2024–25 sugar season is projected to conclude with a net sugar production of approximately 261 to 262 lakh tonnes, leaving a comfortable buffer stock of 52 lakh tonnes to meet domestic demand, the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said on Friday.
The estimated figure includes 257.44 lakh tonnes of sugar produced up to mid-May in the current season, along with an additional 4 to 5 lakh tonnes expected from the special crushing season in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, ISMA stated.
“The season commenced with an opening stock of 80 lakh tonnes. Considering the projected domestic consumption of 280 lakh tonnes and export estimates of up to 9 lakh tonnes, the closing stock is likely to be around 52–53 lakh tonnes. This reflects a comfortable buffer, ensuring that the country has sufficient sugar to meet domestic demand,” the association added.
So far, around 27 lakh tonnes of sugar have been diverted for ethanol production up to April 30, 2025. An additional 6 to 7 lakh tonnes are expected to be diverted for the same purpose over the remainder of the season, ISMA noted.
As of May 15, 2025, total sugar production in the ongoing season has reached 257.44 lakh tonnes, with two factories still in operation—both located in Tamil Nadu, where the main crushing season is still underway.
To augment production, several factories in South Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are expected to resume operations during the special crushing season, which typically runs from June/July to September. Historically, this season contributes an additional 4 to 5 lakh tonnes of sugar production.
Looking ahead, the industry body said the 2025–26 sugar season is shaping up to be promising, supported by favourable developments across key sugar-producing regions.
In the southern states—particularly Maharashtra and Karnataka—sugarcane planting has seen a notable increase due to a favourable southwest monsoon in 2024. With strong cane availability, the crushing season is expected to begin on time in October 2025.
In the northern region, including Uttar Pradesh, varietal replacement initiatives are likely to boost cane yields and improve sugar recovery rates.
Further strengthening this positive outlook are climate forecasts from both the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Skymet, which predict a normal southwest monsoon in 2025.
“This bodes well for crop health and production, bolstering confidence in a robust and productive sugar season ahead,” ISMA said.
— IANS