UP farmers demand sugarcane price hike following increase in Haryana
Farmers in Uttar Pradesh demand a sugarcane price hike similar to Haryana’s increase of Rs 15 per quintal. Leaders say current rates make farming unprofitable and urge the state government to set rates at Rs 500 per quintal before crushing begins, criticizing pressure from mill owners and rising input costs.
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Following the Haryana government’s decision to raise the price of sugarcane by Rs. 15 per quintal before the crushing season, farmers in the state have now demanded a similar increase before sugar mills begin operations. Farmers are questioning why, if the government in Haryana can raise the rate, it cannot be done in their state. The rate for early varieties has been raised from Rs 400 per quintal to Rs 415 per quintal, while the price for late varieties has been increased from Rs 393 per quintal to Rs 408 per quintal.
Farmer leaders have voiced strong opinions on the matter.
“The state government is testing the patience of farmers. The cost of raw materials used in farming has gone up, but the state government, under pressure from mill owners, is not ready to increase the sugarcane rate,” said Vijaypal Singh, National Vice President of Bhartiya Kisan Union (Tikait). He demanded that the rate be set at Rs. 500 per quintal.
Prahalad Poonia, National President of BKU (Lokhit), stated, “The sugarcane rate should be fixed at Rs. 500 per quintal before the crushing season begins. Currently, farming has become a loss-making venture. The new generation of farmers does not want to farm. The Uttar Pradesh government should also immediately announce a hike in the sugarcane rate on par with Haryana.”
Sumit Nagar, National Secretary of BKU (Lokshakti), added, “Farmer organizations have been demanding a hike in the sugarcane rate for a long time, but the state government, working under pressure from sugar mill owners, is not prepared to fulfill the demand of the farmers. The government, which promised to double farmers’ income, must address their troubles.”
Echoing the sentiment, Naresh Kumar, District Spokesperson of BKU (Asli), said, “Haryana is our state’s neighbour. The sugarcane rate has been increased in Haryana. Now, the satte government in our state should also increase the sugarcane price before the crushing season begins. Considering rising inflation, the price of sugarcane in the state should be declared at least Rs. 500 per quintal.”
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Source : Chinimandi
