Sugar cane market in India, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

India's sugar cane production for human consumption grew from 379.9 million tonnes in 2018 to 405.4 million tonnes in 2019, before contracting to 370.5 million tonnes in 2020. The market then recovered strongly, with output reaching 405.4 million tonnes in 2021, supported by a policy-driven shift as the sugar industry diversified into ethanol production, bolstering demand for cane.

Production expanded further to 439.4 million tonnes in 2022 and jumped to 490.5 million tonnes in 2023. This surge was primarily driven by the widespread adoption of the high-yielding 'Co 0238' cane variety, which significantly boosted yields. Concurrently, processing capacity expanded, and the revival of the traditional jaggery and khandsari industries created additional outlets for cane, with jaggery makers often offering farmers prices above the official minimum.

Entering 2024, the sector was characterized by stable sugar availability. Key developments included increased cane planting in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka, the ongoing replacement of older cane varieties with improved ones in Uttar Pradesh, and an 11.5% cumulative increase in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) over two years, supporting farmer income. Strategic export allowances helped improve millers' financial health, facilitating timely payments to growers.

Production sugar cane in India

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

India was one of the world's top sugar cane producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking second globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of sugar cane, 2017-2020

World map of production of sugar cane, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, India's sugar cane production declined. In 2020, the country produced 370.5 million tonnes, marking an 8.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 21.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. The highest production was recorded in 2019 at 405.4 million tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 24.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in kind, 2017-2020, M t

Exports sugar cane from India

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 173 tonnes and peaked in 2019 at 1 154 tonnes, representing a 6.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, India exported 212 tonnes of sugar cane, an 81.6% decrease compared to 2019. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2019 at 565.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Nepal and Qatar were the dominant destinations for India's sugar cane exports in volume terms, together accounting for 83.2% of total flows, with the remaining share going to other markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports in value terms reached their lowest point in 2018 at 43 573 US dollars and hit their maximum in 2020 at 90 426 US dollars, representing a 2.1-fold variation. In 2020, sugar cane export value showed a slight increase of 0.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 26.5%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 105.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates (28.9% of export value), Qatar (25.6%), and Nepal (14.2%) were the primary buyers of Indian sugar cane in value terms, together accounting for 68.8% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020

Imports sugar cane to India

Imports in kind, t

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, sugar cane imports to India came almost exclusively from the United States, which accounted for 100.0% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020, $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, the United States dominated sugar cane imports to India in value terms, representing 100.0% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020