Maharashtra farmers yet to receive Rs 298 crore in cane dues despite 99.26% FRP payment
Maharashtra sugar mills have cleared 99.26% of farmers’ FRP dues, leaving ₹298 crore outstanding from the 2022–23 season. The state has initiated recovery proceedings against defaulting mills and urged the Centre to revise sugar pricing and ethanol procurement policies to support the sector.
Sugarcane farmers in Maharashtra are still awaiting payment of Rs 298 crore in Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) dues, even though sugar mills have cleared 99.26% of the total amount payable, Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil told the Legislative Council on Thursday.
Replying during the Question Hour, Patil said the outstanding dues relate to the 2022-23 sugar season and will be recovered from defaulting sugar mills along with interest.
He said that of the state’s 210 sugar mills, 162 have paid 100% of the FRP due to farmers. Another 43 mills have cleared between 80% and 90% of their dues, while two mills have paid between 60% and 80%. Three mills have paid less than 60% of the FRP.
The minister said Revenue Recovery Certificate (RRC) proceedings have been initiated against mills that have failed to make full payments, and the government will recover the pending amount with interest.
Patil also informed the House that the state government recently held a meeting with Chief Minister and Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah to discuss issues affecting the sugar sector.
During the meeting, Maharashtra urged the Centre to link the Fair and Remunerative Price of sugarcane with the minimum selling price (MSP) of sugar, increase ethanol procurement prices, and reduce the price gap for green-based ethanol.
Despite the financial challenges facing the sugar industry, the government remains committed to ensuring timely payments to farmers, Patil said. Of the nearly Rs 40,000 crore in FRP payable to sugarcane growers in the state, Rs 298 crore is still pending, and efforts are underway to ensure the remaining dues are cleared at the earliest.
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Source : ChiniMandi
