Panel to address grievances of sugarcane growers

NEW DELHI: Govt Monday announced establishment of a high-level committee within a week to address the grievances of sugarcane farmers over discrepancies in sugar recovery, weighment and payments.

The announcement was made at a meeting chaired by agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan which was attended by farmers from Maharashtra and Karnataka.Chouhan and food minister Pralhad Joshi held detailed discussions with a delegation of farmers from the two major cane-growing states. About 80-90 farmers from different organisations attended, along with state ministers.

The committee will comprise representatives of the Centre, Karnataka and Maharashtra govts, farmer organisations and sugar mills, besides subject-matter experts and scientists.With sugar mills set to begin crushing in the 2026-27 season, which started on Oct 1, farmers have sought a higher support price, citing rising production costs.They have also demanded that MSP of sugar be raised from Rs 31/kg to Rs 50/kg.The panel will examine technical aspects and submit its recommendations within a stipulated timeframe