Tamil Nadu: Sugarcane farmers demand hike in procurement price
Farmers in Dharmapuri are urging the government to increase the sugarcane procurement price to Rs 5,000 per tonne due to rising costs and labor shortages. With around 3,500 hectares cultivated annually, farmers face challenges during the lengthy growing cycle, which drives laborers to seek more stable jobs. Farmers cited rising expenses for labor and inputs, expressing that last year’s procurement price of Rs 3,743 per tonne was insufficient
Dharmapuri: Farmers in the district have called on the government to raise the procurement price for sugarcane to Rs 5,000 per tonne. They cite increasing costs and a shortage of workers as significant challenges that are cutting their profits, reported The New Indian Express.
The district cultivates around 3,500 hectares of sugarcane annually, supporting hundreds of labourers who depend on this work. However, as sugarcane takes about 11 months for a full growing cycle, many labourers turn to other jobs for a more stable daily income.
K. Chinnasamy, a farmer from Palacode, shared his experience, stating, “When it’s harvesting season, we need about 12 to 16 workers to cut the sugarcane for each acre. Clearing that land can take seven to 12 days, which means a big part of our earnings goes into these production costs. Plus, throughout the year, we need workers to remove weeds and protect the crops. That’s why we’re asking for a higher procurement price.”
R. Sivakumar, a farmer in Morappur, added, “Next month, the Subramaniya Siva Cooperative Sugarmill will begin its annual grinding. The government should announce a procurement price of at least Rs 50,000 per acre. The costs for labour, fertilizers, and equipment have increased significantly. Last year, even with a recovery rate of 10.98 per cent, we only received Rs 3,743 per tonne. This year, we need better compensation.”
J. Selvakumar, another farmer from Harur, remarked, “We only cultivate sugarcane once a year, so our profits are limited and have to be reinvested into the next crop. A procurement price increase to Rs 5,000 per tonne would be a huge help.”
When asked for comment, officials at the Subramaniya Siva Cooperative Sugarmill said they could not provide one at the moment. However, they assured that they would work to ensure fair payment for the farmers.
Source Link : https://www.chinimandi.com/tamil-nadu-sugarcane-farmers-demand-hike-in-procurement-price/
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