Large number of sugar mills in Maharashtra have initiated the crushing season, but the production output lags behind compared to the previous season. Pune division leads in sugar production within the state, followed by Kolhapur and Solapur regions.
According to figures released by the Sugar Commissionerate, as of December 13, 2023, a total of 36 sugar mills in Kolhapur have commenced crushing for the 2023-24 season. This includes 24 cooperative and 12 private mills, accounting for a crushing of 53.73 lakh tonnes of sugarcane. The Kolhapur region has produced 50.64 lakh quintals of sugar so far, with an average sugar recovery rate of 9.42%, the highest among all regions in the state. The state’s average sugar recovery rate is currently at 8.34%.
Solapur region, on the other hand, has witnessed the commencement of crushing operations by 45 sugar mills, the highest in Maharashtra. As of December 13, 2023, the region has crushed around 61.22 lakh tonnes of sugarcane, producing 47.13 lakh quintals of sugar with a sugar recovery rate of 7.7%.
In Maharashtra, a total of 190 sugar mills have started crushing operations, comprising 93 cooperatives and 97 private mills. The cumulative crushing of 275.71 lakh tonnes of sugarcane has resulted in the production of 27.571 million quintals of sugar across the state. Maharashtra has produced nearly 230 lakh quintals of sugar so far in the ongoing season.
