A total of 214 sugar mills across Maharashtra have applied to the Sugar Commissioner’s office in Pune for permission to commence sugar-cane crushing from November 1, the official start date for the 2025–26 crushing season. Of the total applications, 107 each are from cooperative and private mills. Officials said that the processing of these applications is contingent upon payment of mandatory deductions amounting to ₹27.50 per tonne. This includes contributions to flood-affected farmers, the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, and the Vasantdada Sugar Institute.
The Sugar Commissioner, Sanjay Kolte, said that all applications would eventually be processed, noting that mills had cleared their dues and paid the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) to farmers for the 2024-25 season Production projections are at 105 lakh tonnes of sugar, with around 20 lakh tonnes expected to be diverted for ethanol production. However, ongoing rainfall in regions like Marathwada and western Maharashtra is posing challenges to harvesting, affecting both manual labour and mechanised operations.
Industry expert Vijay Autade warned of potential production declines due to rain-related crop damage. He also suggested that mills may seek lifting of the export ban amid global sugar surplus (especially from Brazil). He highlighted that farmer protests over pricing could delay operations unless resolved with union leaders.
