Sugar production in Maharashtra is set for a new record for crushing season 2017-18 at 10.6 million tonnes, due to a sharp increase in cane yield across the state’s major growing regions. It was 4.2 mt previous season. This is attributed to the normal and even distribution of the 2017 monsoon, setting a robust tone for sprouting of cane seed. Unseasonal and intermittent rain during October and November helped. As a consequence, average cane yield in Maharashtra has risen to 105 tonnes per hectare (ha) this year, against 80 tonnes per ha last year. Prices, therefore, are likely to be under pressure through this year and next year. The sugar industry says it needs urgent government support to arrest a price fall on surplus supply. Failing which, mills might end the current season with uncrushed cane and a mounting farmers’ payment arrears.