India’s sugar industry is vital for agriculture, industry, and rural livelihoods, supporting nearly 5 crore farmers and 5 lakh factory workers. India is the world’s second-largest sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) producer. Recently, the sector has been affected by El Niño, which brings weak monsoons and dry weather, reducing yields and sucrose recovery. This results in tighter domestic and global sugar supplies, with analysts predicting significant cuts to annual production due to these challenges and issues like red rot disease. Recently, India's sugar prices have risen from ₹55-60 per kg to ₹65-70 per kg due to lower production, increased sugarcane diversion for ethanol, and higher festive demand. The country aims for 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20) by managing sugarcane juice and molasses use. A farmer inspects the growth of sugarcane in a narrow field in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on August 8, 2026.
Editorial use only Contact your sales representative for commercial and promotional uses.License this clip
More footage filed by NurPhoto videographers.