Only 15 of 55 Sugar Mills in Maharashtra Operate Amid Protests
Farmers' protests have led to a significant halt in sugar crushing operations across Maharashtra and Karnataka, with only a fraction of mills functioning.
Only 15 out of 55 sugar mills in Maharashtra are currently operational due to ongoing farmer protests.
Karnataka's sugar mills remain entirely shut, with farmers demanding higher cane prices.
A government committee has been formed to address farmer concerns, but protests continue as farmers reject the initiative.
Farmers' protests have severely impacted sugar crushing operations in Maharashtra and Karnataka, with only 15 of the 55 sugar mills in Maharashtra currently operational. The protests are centered around demands for higher sugarcane prices and an increase in the minimum selling price (MSP) of sugar to Rs 60 per kilogram. The situation has escalated to the point where farmers threatened to block national highways, prompting discussions with Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi.
In Maharashtra, the sugarcane crushing season traditionally begins in October, with 40 mills performing the customary puja before operations. However, due to the ongoing agitation, these mills have not commenced full operations. Only 15 mills started crushing from October 8, and the sugar produced is expected to stabilize market prices. In stark contrast, Karnataka's sugar mills have not initiated any operations, with only eight of the state's 28 mills processing cane grown in the special season.
Farmers in both states are adamant about their demands for a higher cane support price and an increase in the sugar MSP. The government has responded by forming a committee led by former Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand to address these issues. However, farmers' organizations have expressed dissatisfaction with this move, feeling that it does not adequately address their immediate concerns.
The implications of this protest are significant, as Maharashtra and Karnataka are the second and third largest sugar-producing states in India, respectively. The ongoing disruptions in sugar production could lead to increased sugar prices, affecting consumers and the broader economy. The farmers' agitation highlights the critical issues surrounding agricultural pricing and the need for government intervention in the sector.
Looking ahead, the farmers have indicated that they will continue their protests until their demands are met. The government has yet to set a clear timeline for the committee's report or the implementation of its recommendations, which has further fueled farmers' frustrations. As the situation develops, the agricultural sector and sugar market will be closely monitored for any changes in operations or policy responses.
