Journalism of Courage
Maharashtra’s sugar mills allowed to begin crushing on or before October 15
This decision follows directives issued during a ministerial committee meeting held on September 9.
It is still mandatory for all sugar factories to obtain the necessary official crushing license from the Office of the Sugar Commissioner, Pune, before commencing operations. (File Photo)
The Sugar Commissionerate on Monday announced that the cooperative and private sugar factories in Maharashtra can commence sugarcane crushing for the 2026-27 season on or before October 15, provided they complete the required legal and administrative formalities and obtain a crushing licence.
This decision follows directives issued during a ministerial committee meeting held on September 9. Accordingly, sugar factories that have completed all necessary legal and administrative formalities to obtain a crushing license are permitted to start operations on or before October 15.
The press release issued by the sugar commissionerate also mentioned that the government is not mandating any sugar factories to start the crushing season early and crushing licenses will be issued to factories that apply for them prior to October 15.
It is still mandatory for all sugar factories to obtain the necessary official crushing license from the Office of the Sugar Commissioner, Pune, before commencing operations. The commissionerate has urged all sugar factories and related stakeholders in the state to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the government to ensure the smooth conduct of the 2026-27 crushing season.
Meanwhile, Raju Shetti, president of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, in an earlier conversation told The Indian Express that Maharashtra’s sugar production this season could decline by nearly 20 per cent to around 80 lakh tonnes if the crushing season begins on October 15.
Several farmer organisations have also opposed the early start to the crushing season and have sought November 15 as the ideal commencement date, arguing that the later start would allow sugarcane to mature further.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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