Public RelationsSugar industry may engage RLD for resolving cane impasse
The Uttar Pradesh sugar industry, the largest in the country, may engage Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in talks for resolving the cane price impasse, which is delaying the full fledged crushing in the state.
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RLD has been spearheading the campaign demanding better cane price for state sugarcane farmers than the State Advised Price (SAP) of Rs 165 per quintal for common variety announced by the Mayawati government.
Earlier, massive demonstration by state cane farmers mainly led by RLD in the national capital forced the Centre retract the sugarcane ordinance and amendment to the sugarcane control order, which put the onus of difference between SAP and Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) on the respective state governments rather than mills.
Now, the RLD has called for a ‘bandh’ in UP on the cane price issue, asserting the cane farmers would not accept the price of Rs 180-185, including incentive of Rs 15 per quintal. The party has reiterated demand for Rs 280 per quintal for state cane growers.
Meanwhile, Indian Sugar Mills’ Association (ISMA) held a meeting today to chart the future course of strategy. “We are hopeful that the issue would be resolved in the next couple of days,” Simbhaoli Sugars executive director G S C Rao told Business Standard.
The farmers are also feeling the pressure to vacate their fields for the coming rabi sowing season next month.
The state government claimed about 19 sugar mills, mostly in Moradabad, J P Nagar, Bijnore and Bareilly districts, were at present crushing sugarcane.
“A total of 19 mills, including 14 private, 4 cooperative and one sugar corporation mill are engaged in crushing,” state cane commissioner Sudhir M Bobde said. He further informed that the supply of cane to mills was showing an ‘upward trend’ each passing day.
“The government is trying its best to resolve the issue and wants the cane farmers to get better price,” he added.
However, there is little possibility of the state government revising SAP upwards, as demanded by RLD and farmer leaders, since the industry might seek recourse in court. This could further entangle the issue and paint the dispensation as anti-farmer.
The farmers are adamant on Rs 280 per quintal, since the retail sugar prices have more than doubled since last year to about Rs 36 per kg.
There are 157 sugar mills in UP, of which 93 belong to the private sector. However, only about 132 are in working condition and had participated in 2008-09 crushing.