BKU(Mann) Welcomes Sugarcane FRP Hike, Urges States to Follow Suit.

Posted by On February 22, 2024 0 Comment

Chandigarh,
February 22nd, 2024: Bhupinder Singh Mann, Ex MP, National President of BKU(Mann) and Chairman
of the All India Kisan Coordination Committee (KCC), along with Sukhwinder
Singh Sherpur, President of Gurdaspur BKU(Mann) and former Chairman of the
Cooperative Sugar Mill, Batala, issued a joint statement today applauding the
central government’s decision to increase the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP)
of sugarcane by 8% to Rs. 340 per quintal. It may be mentioned that the Cabinet
Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on
February 21, approved a hike in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of
sugarcane to Rs 340 per quintal from Rs 315 per quintal for the 2024-25
(October-September) season. The Rs 25-per-quintal increase in the FRP of
sugarcane is significantly higher than what was announced last year, when the
government had raised it by Rs 10 per quintal to Rs 315.

“This significant increase in FRP is a welcome step that will provide much-needed boost to sugarcane farmers,” stated Mann. “It will undoubtedly boost production and encourage diversification from paddy cultivation.”

The leaders also urged state
governments to follow the central government’s lead and increase their State
Advisory Prices (SAP) accordingly. “In Punjab, for example, this would
translate to an SAP of Rs. 416 per quintal,” said Sherpur. “This
would not only benefit farmers but also contribute to the national economy by
increasing ethanol production and reducing oil imports.”

However, Sherpur highlighted the need
for further improvements. “We require more sugar mills,” he
emphasized. “Putting up new sugar mill, expediting the ongoing expansion
of the existing mills and streamlining the supply chain are crucial to address
current challenges faced by farmers.”

Mann echoed these concerns, stressing
the need for “drastic improvements” in the sugar cane supply chain.
“Smooth and timely payments are essential,” he said. “The
current system is very cumbersome and discourages farmers from growing
sugarcane.”

They expressed hope that the central
government’s initiative will be adopted by states, leading to a more robust and
sustainable sugarcane industry in India.

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