India to form joint panel to address sugarcane farmers' concerns

The Indian government and the Karnataka state government are developing a scientific and transparent framework to address the grievances of sugarcane growers. Following high-level discussions in New Delhi involving Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi, a joint committee will be formed to recommend long-term solutions for farmers in Karnataka and Maharashtra.

The proposed committee will include sugarcane growers, agricultural scientists, and representatives from both central and state governments. Key issues to be addressed include the adequacy of the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP), demands for a Minimum Support Price (MSP), discrepancies in sugarcane weighing at factories, and post-harvest wastage deductions.

In Karnataka, Sugar and Textiles Minister Rudrappa Lamani announced plans for a regional study to determine optimal harvesting periods to maximize cane weight and sugar recovery. The state is also considering the introduction of independent, government-supervised weighbridges to ensure accurate measurements and increase transparency regarding sugar recovery calculations and deductions.