The new year has brought a significant achievement for Uttar Pradesh's agricultural sector. The state has positioned itself as a frontrunner in the crucial metric of average sugar recovery during the ongoing sugarcane crushing season, setting the stage for intense competition with Maharashtra, the country's traditional sugar production giant.
UP's Impressive Numbers and National Standing
Data from the current season reveals that Uttar Pradesh has achieved a sugar recovery rate of 9.5%. This marks a substantial improvement from last year's 8.9% and is notably higher than the current national average of 8.67%. Following UP on the leaderboard are Telangana with 9% and Bihar at 8.75%. In contrast, Maharashtra, despite maintaining its position as the largest sugar producer by volume, recorded a recovery rate of 8.25%.
This higher recovery rate is not just a statistical win. Experts clarify that it directly translates to more sugar extracted per tonne of crushed cane. This efficiency boost leads to increased revenue for sugar mills, which in turn enhances their capacity to make timely and better payments to sugarcane farmers.
Production Volumes and Mill Operations
The story is further amplified by production figures. Sugar output in Uttar Pradesh has already risen from 92.75 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) in the 2024-25 season to 105 LMT in the current season. Industry sources anticipate a significant further increase in the coming two months as crushing operations are intensified.
It is noteworthy that UP achieved this with 120 operational mills, a number considerably lower than Maharashtra's 190 active mills. The total cane crushed in UP this season has reached 263.68 LMT, exceeding the 257.87 LMT processed in the corresponding period last year.
Reasons Behind the Success
Agricultural experts attribute UP's superior performance to key strategic shifts. The widespread adoption of high-yielding sugarcane varieties and better implementation of advanced agronomic practices have played a pivotal role. These factors contribute to increased sucrose accumulation in the cane.
Furthermore, consistent operational efficiency has been a hallmark this season. Many mills in Uttar Pradesh operated at high crushing capacities consistently, which boosted overall efficiency metrics. Unlike some regions where erratic weather, diseases, or floods compromised cane quality, several key sugarcane-growing areas in UP managed to maintain good crop health. This resulted in better juice quality and higher extraction rates during processing.
While Uttar Pradesh surpassed Maharashtra in sugar production volume last year, Maharashtra has witnessed a strong rebound this season. Its production surged from 80.95 LMT in 2024-25 to an estimated 110 LMT currently. This sets up a fascinating duel between the two states, with UP leading on recovery efficiency and Maharashtra responding with robust production volumes.
The ongoing season underscores a dynamic shift in India's sugar landscape, where efficiency and yield per unit are becoming as critical as the total production volume, promising greater economic benefits for the industry's stakeholders.
