Karnataka’s leading sugar-producing district is poised to further consolidate its position as the state’s sugar capital, with 13 proposals for new sugar factories from the district currently awaiting approval from the Karnataka government.
Out of the 42 proposals pending across the state, 13 are from Belagavi, highlighting the district’s continued dominance in the sugar sector. Karnataka presently has 81 operational sugar mills, of which 29 are located in Belagavi—the highest for any district in the state.
The proposed sugar factories are planned across Ramdurg, Bailhongal, Kittur, Savadatti, Belagavi, Gokak, Athani, Raibag, and Khanapur taluks, further reinforcing the district’s status as Karnataka’s largest hub for sugarcane cultivation and sugar manufacturing.
Sugarcane remains one of Belagavi’s most significant agricultural crops, covering nearly 3 lakh hectares of the district’s 7.5 lakh hectares of cultivated land. The area under sugarcane cultivation increased from 2.6 lakh hectares in 2022-23 to around 3 lakh hectares in 2024-25, remaining largely stable over the last two years.
Industry experts believe the proposed investments could increase competition among sugar factories, providing farmers with more choices to sell their produce while potentially improving sugarcane prices and ensuring quicker payments.
However, concerns have also been raised about the district’s existing processing capacity. According to experts, Belagavi already has enough crushing capacity to handle its current sugarcane production.
Rayappa B. Khandagave, Director of the S. Nijalingappa Sugar Institute, Belagavi, noted that the increasing number of mills has already shortened the crushing season from the traditional 150 days to around 90 days due to intense competition for sugarcane. He warned that establishing additional mills could encourage premature harvesting of sugarcane, ultimately reducing sugar recovery and affecting industry efficiency.
Adding to the district’s processing capability, several existing mills—including Vishwaraj Sugar Industries Ltd., Satish Sugars Ltd., Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd., and Chidanand Basaprabhu Kore Sahakari Sakkare Karkhane—have expanded their crushing capacities in recent years.
Experts caution that if all 13 proposed sugar mills become operational, the crushing season could reduce to less than 80 days, impacting factory utilisation, operational efficiency, and employment opportunities. Many factories have already begun depending more on contract workers as shorter crushing seasons reduce the number of working days.
Despite these concerns, the proposed investments reflect Belagavi’s growing importance in Karnataka’s sugar economy. With the highest concentration of sugar mills and one of the state’s largest sugarcane cultivation areas, the district is expected to remain the backbone of Karnataka’s sugar industry for years to come.
