Maharashtra sugarcane workers' plight

Notes

• Maharashtra contributes to one-third of India's sugar production, with an industry turnover of approximately ₹1 lakh crore.
• Sugarcane cultivation in Maharashtra involves 40 lakh farmers across 14.87 lakh hectares.
• The industry supports allied sectors including ethanol, distilleries, co-generation, and green hydrogen.
• Migrant sugarcane cutters, estimated at nearly 10 lakh (with 50% women), face systemic exploitation, including wage theft, lack of basic amenities, and hazardous working conditions.
• Workers are often hired through contractors (mukadams) via restrictive agreements; wages are typically paid only to men despite couples working as a unit.
• The Bombay High Court issued a 2025 ruling directing the Maharashtra government to implement comprehensive welfare measures for sugarcane cutters.
• Mechanisation is increasing due to labour shortages and rising worker awareness; 3,218 harvesters are operational in India, with 68% located in Maharashtra.
• Industry representatives project that mechanical harvesters may dominate operations within three years, particularly for plots larger than one hectare.

Part of a longer story

This is day 3 of 10 in India sugar production and supply management, which has been running since 18 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

• Sugar mills to advance crushing schedule Before
• Duty-free raw sugar imports After
• The whole story 10 entries