Photo Source; Babushahi Bureau
BKU (Mann) welcomes FRP hike on sugarcane, urges states to follow suit
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 22, 2024: Bhupinder Singh Mann, Ex MP, National President of BKU(Mann) and Chairman of the All India Kisan Coordination Committee (KCC), along with Sukhwinder Singh Sherpur, President of Gurdaspur BKU(Mann) and former Chairman of the Cooperative Sugar Mill, Batala, issued a joint statement today applauding the central government's decision to increase the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane by 8% to Rs. 340 per quintal.
It may be mentioned that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on February 21, approved a hike in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane to Rs 340 per quintal from Rs 315 per quintal for the 2024-25 (October-September) season. The Rs 25-per-quintal increase in the FRP of sugarcane is significantly higher than what was announced last year, when the government had raised it by Rs 10 per quintal to Rs 315.
"This significant increase in FRP is a welcome step that will provide much-needed boost to sugarcane farmers," stated Mann. "It will undoubtedly boost production and encourage diversification from paddy cultivation." The leaders also urged state governments to follow the central government's lead and increase their State Advisory Prices (SAP) accordingly.
"In Punjab, for example, this would translate to an SAP of Rs. 416 per quintal," said Sherpur. "This would not only benefit farmers but also contribute to the national economy by increasing ethanol production and reducing oil imports." However, Sherpur highlighted the need for further improvements. "We require more sugar mills," he emphasized.
"Putting up new sugar mill, expediting the ongoing expansion of the existing mills and streamlining the supply chain are crucial to address current challenges faced by farmers." Mann echoed these concerns, stressing the need for "drastic improvements" in the sugar cane supply chain. "Smooth and timely payments are essential," he said. "The current system is very cumbersome and discourages farmers from growing sugarcane."
They expressed hope that the central government's initiative will be adopted by states, leading to a more robust and sustainable sugarcane industry in India.