New Delhi:
The government has said that the price of sugarcane has been increased by 8 percent for the financial year 2024-25 and it will be effective from October. This increase came amid a huge tussle between the government and farmers over the minimum support price. The price of sugarcane will now increase from Rs 315 to Rs 340 per quintal.
Announcing the hike, Union Minister Anurag Thakur declared that the government is pro-farmer. He said, “Our government is working for the betterment of farmers and agriculture.”
“In order to ensure fair and reasonable price of sugarcane to the farmers by the sugar mills, it has been decided to fix the price for the upcoming sugarcane season in the period from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025,” he said. ,
“It has been decided to fix the price at Rs 340 per quintal for the year 2024-25, which was Rs 315 last year,” he said.
The cabinet’s approval for the sugarcane price hike was received this evening during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Fair and remunerative prices” will ensure prosperity of sugarcane farmers, the government said.
In a statement, the government said it has provided a premium of Rs. ₹3.32 per quintal for every 0.1 percentage point increase in recovery above 10.25%.
“It is noteworthy that India is already paying the highest sugarcane prices in the world and yet, the government is ensuring the world’s cheapest sugar to domestic consumers,” the statement said.
The government said the Centre’s decision will benefit more than 5 crore sugarcane farmers and their families and lakhs of others associated with the sugar sector.
“This reaffirms the fulfillment of Modi’s guarantee of doubling farmers’ income,” the statement said.
