Sweet surge ahead: Sugar output seen rising 18% to 34.9 million tonnes in 2025-26; ISMA eyes higher exports and ethanol diversion

India’s sugar production is projected to surge 18% to 34.90 million tonnes in the 2025-26 season, potentially allowing for 2 million tonnes of exports, according to ISMA. This boost is attributed to a likely 42% jump in sugarcane output. ISMA anticipates diverting 5 million tonnes of sugar for ethanol production.