Let sugar mills pay ‘additional’ amount to cane cultivators, say delta farmers
Delta farmers in Tamil Nadu are demanding that sugar mills pay an additional ₹500 per tonne for sugarcane to help cover rising input costs. They argue that mills should share their profits from by-products like ethanol and molasses with the cultivators.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing economic struggle of small-scale farmers against industrial agricultural entities and the pressure on state governments to balance fair pricing policies.
Delta farmers, who appear to be less than happy with the recent announcement of special incentives for sugar and paddy, have suggested that the sugar mills be asked to partake the financial burden of the State government in ensuring a fair and remunerative price (FRP) for sugarcane.
Responding to the announcement, G. Srinivasan of Ganapathi Agraharam, a progressive farmer, and Sundara Vimalanathan, secretary, Tamil Nadu Cauvery Delta Farmers Protection Association (TNCDFPA), have pointed out that the sugar mills earn additional revenue through the sale of by-products of sugar such as molasses and ethanol.
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