Agricultural groups demand higher crop prices in India and Pakistan

Agricultural groups in India and Pakistan are demanding higher support prices and relief from rising production costs.

In Karnataka, India, the Sugarcane Growers’ Association has called on Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi to increase the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane to at least Rs 4,500 per tonne. The association cited drought conditions, declining yields, and increased expenditures on labor and fertilizers as primary drivers of financial pressure. They also requested the ability for small-scale farmers to produce ethanol directly from sugarcane juice and syrup.

In Pakistan, farmer organizations have announced a protest outside Parliament in Islamabad for September 25. Representatives from Kisan Ittehad Central and Sindh Abadgar Ittehad are demanding a clear wheat procurement policy before the upcoming sowing season to prevent farmers from selling below production costs. They are also seeking relief on diesel, electricity, and fertilizer prices, noting that the lack of domestic support may force the country to increase wheat imports.