In Maharashtra and Karnataka, reduced sugarcane yield per unit area has led to lower cane availability. Some mills in Karnataka are expected to restart operations during a special season in June or July 2025. Maharashtra, the largest sugar-producing state, is projected to have a final production of around 8 million tonnes, down from 11 million tonnes last season. Uttar Pradesh, the second-largest producer, is estimated to produce 9 million tonnes, lower than last year’s 10.4 million tonnes. Karnataka’s production is expected to be 4.1 million tonnes, slightly higher than the previous estimate but still lower than last season’s 5.3 million tonnes.AISTA noted that the final figures could vary by ±2%. Meanwhile, sucrose diversion for ethanol production is expected to reach 3.8 million tonnes, a significant increase from the earlier estimate of 0.4 million tonnes.Despite the current decline, ISMA remains hopeful that production will improve next year. A favorable southwest monsoon in 2024 and good water availability in reservoirs have contributed to better planting for the 2025-26 season in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
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