ARTICLE 4 #RuralEconomy

Sugar mills across several regions are reportedly scaling down the number of procurement centers due to ongoing delays in payments to sugarcane farmers. According to industry sources, mills struggling with liquidity issues have found it increasingly difficult to clear dues to growers on time.

The decision, taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is expected to benefit nearly 45 lakh sugarcane farmers across the state. The hike comes ahead of the upcoming crushing season and follows sustained demands from farmer unions for better remuneration amid rising input costs.

A steep fall in maize prices has left hundreds of farmers in Koppal district facing financial distress. The sudden price crash, coming soon after a good harvest, has shattered farmers’ hopes of earning fair returns for their hard work.

The Dwarkadhish Sugar Factory in Nashik district has announced plans to crush 6 lakh tons of sugarcane during the upcoming crushing season. Factory officials stated that all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

Farmers across several regions have expressed deep concern over the sharp decline in soybean and maize prices, which have fallen below the expected market rate this season. Due to the low returns, many cultivators are struggling to cover their input costs, including seeds, fertilizers, and transportation.

Amid rising unrest among sugarcane farmers in Karnataka, the state government has stepped in to open dialogue. A senior Karnataka minister has invited farmer representatives for talks with the Chief Minister, aiming to address their grievances and prevent further escalation.

The arrival of white maize has increased in local agricultural markets this week. With the recent harvesting season coming to an end, farmers are bringing large quantities of their produce to the mandis (agri-markets).

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sought an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the ongoing sugarcane farmers’ protest and address their concerns over fair and remunerative pricing (FRP) for their produce.

Speaking to the media after a meeting with representatives from sugar mills and farmer associations, the Chief Minister said the government is committed to ensuring a fair and profitable price for farmers while maintaining the stability of the sugar industry.

According to local traders, the current buying prices for maize have dropped significantly, leaving farmers frustrated and unwilling to sell their produce at such low margins.

Farmers producing silage from maize crops are witnessing improved earnings as the product continues to find strong demand in the livestock sector. According to local agricultural sources, maize-based silage—known for its high nutritional value—was produced at a cost of ₹2 per kilogram.