New Delhi, Aug. 12 -- The sugar industry has proposed to the Centre that the 2026-27 sugar season commence nearly 15 days earlier than the normal schedule.

The demand to advance the sugarcane crushing season, which normally begins on 1 October, aims to increase volume in the domestic market in the run-up to the festival season, which in turn will help ease supply and prices. Mint explains:

The Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSF) have proposed commencing the 2026-27 sugar season nearly 10-15 days earlier than the normal schedule, subject to prevailing agro-climatic conditions.

India's sugarcane crushing season traditionally begins on 1 October. How...