The Uttar Pradesh government has announced an increase in sugarcane prices for the 2025–26 crushing season, bringing major relief to millions of farmers across the state. As per the new rates, the price of early-maturing sugarcane has been fixed at ₹400 per quintal, while the price for general varieties will be ₹390 per quintal. This ₹30 per quintal hike is expected to provide farmers with an additional benefit of around ₹3,000 crore across the state.
According to the Department of Sugarcane and Sugar Industry, this decision is part of the government’s continuous efforts to enhance farmers’ income and strengthen the state’s sugar industry. The state government has consistently raised sugarcane prices over recent years —
Official data shows that farmers have received record payments under the current administration. Between 2007 and 2017, sugarcane farmers were paid ₹1,47,346 crore. However, from 2017 to date, payments have surged to ₹2,90,225 crore, which is ₹1,42,879 crore higher than the previous decade.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership and transparent policies, Uttar Pradesh’s sugar industry has undergone a major transformation.
The state has attracted ₹12,000 crore in new investments so far. During this period, four new sugar mills have been established, six closed mills revived, and capacity expansion carried out in 42 mills, equivalent to adding eight large new mills.
UP Leads the Country in Ethanol Production:
Uttar Pradesh has also emerged as India’s top ethanol-producing state.
In 2017, the state had only 61 distilleries, which has now increased to 97.
Ethanol production has risen sharply — from 41.28 lakh litres to 182 crore litres per year, marking a major leap in the green fuel sector.
Significant Expansion in Sugarcane Cultivation:
The area under sugarcane cultivation in Uttar Pradesh has grown substantially. 2016–17, sugarcane was cultivated across 20 lakh hectares, which has now expanded to 29.51 lakh hectares. To promote transparency, the government has implemented the ‘Smart Ganna Kisan System’ and online cane slip system, which have also been recommended by the central government as model initiatives for other states.
Conclusion: The Sugarcane and Sugar Industry Department stated that through consistent reforms and farmer-centric initiatives, Uttar Pradesh has become the nation’s leader in sugarcane production, sugar processing, and ethanol manufacturing. The new price hike will not only enhance farmers’ income but also bolster the state’s rural economy, reinforcing UP’s position as India’s sugar powerhouse.
