Centre Forms Committee to Address Sugarcane Farmers' Demands in Maharashtra and Karnataka

The Centre held detailed discussions with sugarcane farmers from Maharashtra and Karnataka, involving Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Food Minister Pralhad Joshi. Farmers sought a higher minimum selling price (MSP) for sugar, demanding it be raised from Rs 31 per kg to Rs 50 per kg. Following the talks, the Centre decided to establish a high-level joint committee within a week to examine the various demands. Separately, a BJP leader criticized the state government, arguing it should take 70% responsibility for ensuring fair prices, while the Centre's role is limited to 30%.

The demands for a higher MSP and resolution of ground-level issues, such as discrepancies in recovery figures and weighing practices, directly impact the cost structure and procurement policies for sugar production. The formation of a high-level committee signals a governmental response to issues affecting sugarcane growers' revenue and operational stability.