Sugar production estimated to be higher than that of last season
Sugar production in the 2025-26 marketing season is estimated to exceed the previous season, while exports have already been halted and ethanol-mandated molasses supply is expected to be maintained.
- ISMA estimated sugar production at around 280 lakh tonnes for the October 2025 to September 2026 marketing season.
- The Government of India stopped sugar exports last month after exports had reached nearly eight lakh tonnes during the season.
- The season is expected to end with stocks of about 42 lakh tonnes, enough to meet domestic demand for about two months.
India’s sugar sector expects a better 2025-26 marketing season than the previous one, but production is still likely to remain below initial estimates. The estimate from the Indian Sugar and Bio Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) is about 280 lakh tonnes.
The issue matters for UPSC because sugar production affects domestic supply, exports, buffer stocks, and the availability of feedstock for ethanol. India’s sugar economy is also tied to the broader debate on food versus fuel and to the policy objective of raising ethanol blending in transport fuel.
What happened now
UPSC can ask about the balance between domestic sugar availability, export controls, and diversion of sugar for ethanol production. The issue links agricultural pricing, stock management, and the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018.
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