Raju Shetti urges Centre to reject sugar import plan, warns of price fall
Raju Shetti urged PM Modi to reject sugar imports, warning shipments could arrive as the new crushing season boosts domestic output, depressing prices. He cited satisfactory cane production and urged immediate clearance of pending farmer dues, stressing timely payments for sugarcane growers.
Kolhapur: Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leader Raju Shetti has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to allow sugar imports, warning that imported sugar could reach the domestic market when the new crushing season is underway and put pressure on prices.
In a memorandum to Modi, Shetti said the Centre had imposed restrictions on sugar stocks after domestic prices increased. The move appeared to be helping stabilise the market, he said, Agrowon reported.
Shetti said there was information that the government was considering sugar imports, but such a decision should be reconsidered under the present circumstances.
If imports are permitted now, the sugar could take at least two to two-and-a-half months to reach India. By that time, the new sugarcane crushing season would have begun and domestic sugar production would be increasing.
The additional supply from imported sugar could then lead to a sharp decline in prices during the coming season, Shetti said.
He also said the overall sugarcane crop this year was satisfactory despite variations in rainfall in some areas. There were no indications of a major fall in sugar production, he said, adding that there was no strong or immediate need for sugar imports.
Shetti urged the Centre to keep the interests of millions of sugarcane farmers in mind and either avoid taking a decision on imports or not permit them.
Demand to clear cane dues
Shetti also urged the government to ensure immediate payment of pending sugarcane dues to farmers.
He said farmers were still awaiting outstanding payments and claimed that sugar mills had earned good profits during the current season.
He called for strict directions to concerned officials and sugar mills to clear all pending sugarcane payments without delay.
“Lakhs of farmer families depend directly on timely payment for their sugarcane. Therefore, both sugar imports and pending sugarcane payments should be considered seriously,” Shetti said.
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Source : ChiniMandi
