09 September,2026 04:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (File pic)
The Maharashtra government has approved October 15, 2026, as the start date for the sugarcane crushing season for 2026-27. The move comes after a meeting of the Committee of Ministers chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai.
As per the officials, the decision was taken after a detailed review of sugarcane availability, crushing plans, projected sugar production, prices received by farmers, and the financial and technical challenges facing sugar factories.
The government said that the discussions were aimed at balancing the interests of sugarcane farmers with those of the state's sugar industry ahead of the new crushing season.
The meeting reviewed the performance of the 2025-26 crushing season, sugar stocks across the country, pending Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) and Revenue Recovery Charge (RRC) issues, co-generation projects, and ethanol supply.
Officials also examined the state's sugarcane area and production estimates, expected sugar output, and preparations for the 2026-27 season. Issues relating to season-wise FRP and Minimum Support Price (MSP), as well as deductions made by sugar factories for various government initiatives, were also discussed.
The government also reviewed the functioning and funds of the Gopinath Munde Sugarcane Harvesters Welfare Board.
Among the measures discussed was the introduction of an interest subsidy under a soft-loan scheme aimed at helping sugar factories clear pending dues.
The committee also considered providing a subsidy of Rs 1.50 per unit, based on the 2023-24 season, to sugar factories whose power purchase agreements for co-generation projects have expired.
A special sugarcane development scheme was also discussed with the objective of increasing sugarcane production and productivity.
Principal Secretary of the Cooperation Department Praveen Darade made a presentation on measures to promote improved sugarcane varieties, nurseries, and sugarcane seedling processing. The proposed measures include greater use of drip irrigation, balanced application of chemical and organic fertilisers, modern sugarcane cultivation techniques and mechanisation.
The government said, "These interventions are intended to improve productivity while supporting farmers and strengthening the overall sugar industry."
The meeting also discussed providing financial and technical incentives for Compressed Biogas (CBG) production projects.
Another proposal considered was relaxation of the mandatory requirement for sugar factories to use jute bags for sugar packing, a move aimed at addressing operational and cost-related concerns in the industry.
The Committee of Ministers also discussed several issues concerning the sugar industry that remain pending with the Central Government.
Among the recommendations to be taken up with the Centre are demands for an increase in the minimum selling price of sugar, a revision in ethanol prices, and the immediate release of pending interest subsidies for ethanol projects.
With the October 15 start date approved, sugar factories across Maharashtra will now prepare for the 2026-27 crushing season, while the government is expected to continue discussions on farmer payments, sugar prices, ethanol policy, and financial support for the industry.
