Reduced cane output in UP set to impact sugar prices
27 December 2023, Bijnor: Sugar price in UP could soar due to a decline of 15 to 20% in cane production this year owing to inclement weather and plant diseases.
Lower cane output has resulted in a price war in the private sector comprising small units like kolhus and crushers. There are over 3,919 kolhus and 258 crushers in the state. Farmers can sell their crop to kolhus at any cost but sugar mills purchase it at a price fixed by the state government.
Presently, small units are purchasing sugarcane at Rs 380-400 per quintal as the sugar and jaggery market is looking up and both are being sold at Rs 4,000 per quintal. This is causing the price war.
Farmer bodies are holding protests demanding a hike in the SAP. Kisan Majdoor Sangathan (Pooran group) has launched a dharna urging that the SAP be hiked from Rs 350 to Rs 400 per quintal for the sugarcane crop.
Sugar prices to rise due to reduced sugarcane output in UP
Sugar price in UP may increase due to a price war in the private sector, caused by a decline in sugarcane production. Small units are purchasing sugarcane at a higher price than the fixed price announced by the state government. Farmer organizations are demanding an increase in the state advised price (SAP). The state president of Bhartiya Kisan Union Arajnaitik’s youth wing stated that sugarcane production has decreased by 20%.
Punjab basmati growers have reaped good dividends this season with prices going up to Rs 5,200 per quintal after an end to the uncertainty over the minimum export price created a positive sentiment in the market. It is estimated that the basmati yield in Punjab was around 18 to 20 quintals per acre, earning farmers around Rs 1.22 lakh per acre. The basmati varieties included 1718, 1401, and 1121. Last year, basmati fetched Rs 3,500-Rs 4,600 per quintal in the state.
The minister emphasizes the importance of the sugarcane crop and the welfare of farmers. Sugar factories play a crucial role in the country’s economy. The state government earns a significant income from the sugar industry. The state aims to improve its ranking in sugarcane cultivation. The minister encourages farmers to adopt a scientific farming system. Awards were given to sugar factories for their technical efficiency. Students who achieved the highest marks and rank were also recognized.
Also Read: Planting seeds for bringing youth into agriculture
(For Latest Agriculture News & Updates, follow Krishak Jagat on Google News)
