NewKerala.com

Key Points

India's 2024-25 sugar season is expected to conclude with a substantial buffer stock of 52 lakh tonnes, ensuring a stable supply for domestic needs according to ISMA. A production estimate of 261-262 lakh tonnes includes contributions from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka's special crushing season. Ethanol production and favorable weather conditions also play a crucial role in the industry’s outlook. Projections for the next sugar season appear promising, supported by favorable climatic forecasts and improved sugarcane planting across key regions.

Key Points: India Set to End Sugar Season With 52 Lakh Tonne Buffer Stock

  • India projects sugar production of 261-262 lakh tonnes
  • 52 lakh tonnes of buffer stock ensures domestic stability
  • Additional production from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka's special crushing season
  • Ethanol production and favorable monsoon boost future prospects
3 min read

India's current sugar season to end with 52 lakh tonnes of buffer stock: ISMA

India's sugar season closing with 52 lakh tonnes buffer ensures stable domestic supply, says ISMA.

"This reflects a comfortable buffer, ensuring sufficient stock to meet domestic demand. - ISMA"

New Delhi, May 16

India’s 2024–25 sugar season is projected to conclude with a net sugar production of approximately 261 to 262 lakh tonnes which will leave a comfortable buffer stock of 52 lakh tonnes to meet domestic demand, the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said on Friday.

New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) India’s 2024–25 sugar season is projected to conclude with a net sugar production of approximately 261 to 262 lakh tonnes which will leave a comfortable buffer stock of 52 lakh tonnes to meet domestic demand, the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said on Friday. The production includes 257.44 lakh tonnes of sugar produced up to mid-May in the current season, along with an estimated 4 to 5 lakh tonnes anticipated from the special crushing season in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the ISMA statement explained.

“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 a sufficient sugar stock to meet its domestic sugar demand,” ISMA said.

Approximately 27 lakh tonnes of sugar has been diverted for ethanol production up to April 30, 2025, during the current season. An additional 6 to 7 lakh tonnes are expected to be diverted over the remaining season, ISMA further stated.

The latest figures show that as of May 15, 2025, sugar production in the ongoing 2024-25 sugar season has reached 257.44 lakh tonnes, with two sugar factories still continuing operations across the country. These two operational factories are 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, the production in the special season in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu contributes approximately 4 to 5 lakh tonnes of sugar for the current season.

The industry body also said that the 2025–26 sugar season is shaping up to be promising, buoyed by several positive developments across key sugar-producing regions.

In the southern states, particularly Maharashtra and Karnataka, sugarcane planting has shown significant improvement, thanks to a favourable southwest monsoon in 2024. Supported by strong cane availability, the stage is set for a timely start to the crushing season in October 2025,

In the northern belt, including Uttar Pradesh, varietal replacement initiatives are expected to yield tangible benefits. These efforts are expected to result in higher cane yields and improved sugar recovery rates.

Adding to this positive momentum 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, strengthening confidence in a robust and productive sugar season ahead, ISMA said.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the sugar production article:
R
Rajesh K.
Good to see India maintaining healthy sugar stocks. With rising population, food security is crucial. Hope the government ensures stable prices for consumers while fairly compensating farmers. The ethanol diversion program is a smart move too - helps reduce oil imports.
P
Priya M.
As someone from Tamil Nadu, glad to see our state contributing significantly even in special crushing season 👏 But concerned about water usage in sugarcane farming - hope farmers are being encouraged to adopt drip irrigation methods to conserve water resources.
A
Amit S.
️Positive news overall, but I wonder if 9 lakh tonnes for export is too conservative? With good monsoons predicted, maybe we can increase exports and earn more forex. Our sugar industry has huge potential if managed properly.
S
Sunita R.
My husband works in a sugar mill in UP. Happy to hear about varietal replacement initiatives - better yields mean more stable incomes for lakhs of workers like him. Hope these benefits actually reach ground level.
V
Vikram J.
While stocks are comfortable now, climate change remains a big risk. One bad monsoon can change everything. Government should invest more in irrigation infrastructure and climate-resilient cane varieties. Better safe than sorry!
N
Neha P.
As a nutritionist, I hope some of this sugar surplus can be used to fortify products for malnutrition programs. Maybe ISMA can collaborate with health ministry - sweet solution to serious problem! 😊

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50