Kolhapur: Sugar cane farmers, led by Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana president and former MP Raju Shetti, have issued a stern warning that sugar mills will not be permitted to commence crushing operations unless they guarantee a price of at least Rs 3,751 per tonne for the upcoming season.
Shetti addressed a massive gathering of sugar cane growers from various districts at the 24th annual sugar cane farmers' convention in Jaysingpur. He argued that millers must pay an additional Rs 201 per tonne for the 2024-25 crushing season, citing significant profits made by mills from elevated sugar market prices and increased ethanol production.
"The market price of sugar consistently remained around Rs 40 per kg, providing mills and marketing companies with excellent returns," Shetti stated. "Considering these earnings and the farmers' expenses, we believe mills should pay Rs 3,751 per tonne. Furthermore, mills failed to share profits with farmers last season and should provide an additional Rs 200 per ton for that period."
The government's Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugar cane for the upcoming season, commencing November 1, is set at Rs 3,550 per tonne. Shetti's demand seeks Rs 200 above this mandatory FRP.
"I urge farmers not to rush their cane to the mills. There's a shortage due to heavy Sept rains, leaving mills with no alternative but to meet our price demands," Shetti added.
The farmers' leader also criticized chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, questioning his threat to take action against mills for "kata mari" – the local term for sugar theft. "Is he blackmailing the sugar millers? If his intent is genuine, then address the long-standing wrongdoings in the mills, for which I provided proof years ago. Utilize AI and digital technology to ensure transparency," Shetti said.
