Tensions Flare in Maharashtra’s Sugar Belt Ahead of Crushing Season

Kolhapur:
Even before the official start of the sugarcane crushing season, the atmosphere in Maharashtra’s sugar belt has become heated. Several sugar factories have already begun sugarcane cutting operations, but these have immediately drawn protests from farmer organizations demanding a higher price for sugarcane.

Farmer unions have started agitations targeting sugar factories owned by prominent industrialists and political leaders. In several areas, cane-cutting activities have been halted as part of the protests.

While the demand for better cane prices has united farmers, internal competition among different farmer groups has also added another layer of tension.

Meanwhile, sugar mill owners are facing a tough choice — whether to begin the crushing season amid the ongoing unrest or wait until the issue is resolved. The growing uncertainty has complicated the start of the 2025–26 sugar season in Maharashtra, one of India’s largest sugar-producing states.