A study of sugar processing units of India revealed that low sugar recovery was mainly due to supply of poor quality cane. Large quantities of stale and immature cane (10-20%), extraneous matter (3-10%) in cane supplies and high kill-to-mill time were major reasons for pulling down sugar recovery. Beside these, poor sanitary conditions in the mill house and use of ineffective biocides were also responsible for loss in recoverable sugar in the milling tandem. To improve sugar recovery status, pre-harvest maturity survey, supply of fresh cane, change in Government regulations pertaining to harvest supply of raw materials, closure of Cane Centre system and use of broad spectrum biocides in the milling tandem were advocated.