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.