Industry Odisha Bureau, Aug 13: With an aim to increase the volume in the domestic market, ease both the supply and prices ahead of the upcoming festive season, the industry of sugar mills in India has reportedly urged the Government of India (GoI) to advance the crushing of sugarcane this year.
As per media reports, “The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSF) have proposed for commencing the 2026-27 sugar season nearly 10-15 days earlier than the normal schedule, subject to prevailing agro-climatic conditions.”
Media reports added that, “The ISMA and NFCSF have also requested that the government consider appropriate support measures to partially offset the losses associated with the early commencement of crushing, including compensation for recovery losses since sugarcane crushed before its maturity contains lower sucrose levels and reduces the quantity of sugar recovered from each tonne of sugarcanes.”
Reportedly, “India’s sugarcane crushing season traditionally begins on October 1, while there are around 550 sugar mills in India, including the private, the state and cooperative society-run.”
Media reports, citing data availed from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, have stated that, “Sugar prices in India have already risen amid concerns over limited supplies and increasing 6.5% over the past month to Rs 50.7 per kg as of August 11 this year.”
Notably, “The Government of India (GoI) on July 28 this year has imposed stock holding limits on sugar dealers from August 1 to November 30 to prevent hoarding and curb speculative trading ahead of the festive season. The GoI in its gaztte notification has also restricted sugar dealers from holding stocks for more than 30 days and has further limited their inventories to 4,000 quintals. The GoI has also on May 13 banned exports of raw, white and refined sugar till September 30 this year”.
