India's Sugar Production Rises 22% by Mid-January Amid Financial Challenges

India's sugar production rose 22% to 15.9 million tonnes by mid-January in the 2025-26 season, driven by higher cane supplies and better yields, with Maharashtra leading a 51% increase to 6.45 million tonnes. Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka also saw growth. Despite this, the Indian Sugar Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) warned that rising cane prices and falling sugar prices are straining mill finances, causing delays in payments to farmers. ISMA urged revising the minimum selling price to ensure financial viability.