How Reduced Harvest Timelines Hurt Sugar Supply and Push Prices Higher

Dr. Harshom of Bihar Agricultural University highlighted that the timing of sugarcane planting across regions directly impacts recovery rates. In Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, longer crop cycles allow higher sugar accumulation – 13‑14% recovery in Maharashtra and up to 18 months cultivation in Tamil Nadu. By contrast, northern farmers sow in April‑May and harvest within 10‑11 months, resulting in lower sucrose levels. The short “lean season” in the north has already limited the raw material reaching mills, tightening supply and nudging prices upward. Dr. Harshom suggested a staggered planting schedule – starting after the rice harvest in October‑November and integrating inter‑crops like wheat, mustard or pulses – to boost farmer income and improve cane quality without sacrificing overall output.