# Indian sugarcane farmers' debt and pricing protests > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indian-sugarcane-farmers-debt-and-pricing-protests > Updated: 2026-09-01T05:50:45.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has criticized Indian government sugar sector policies, alleging that unpaid arrears to sugarcane farmers have reached Rs 16,087 crore. Significant portions of this debt are attributed to Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. AIKS leaders argue that despite domestic sugar prices reaching a 16-year high, farmers are not benefiting, as value is instead captured by industrial users in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. Additionally, the organization noted that while mills profit from ethanol, power, and byproducts, farmers receive an inadequate share of these revenues. In response to these economic pressures, farmers in northern India have intensified protests. In Haryana, organizations such as BKU (Charuni) and Ganna Kisan Sangharsh Samiti are demanding an increase in the State Advised Price (SAP) from Rs 415 to Rs 600 per quintal to offset rising input costs. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, farmers held a mahapanchayat in Meerut to demand the settlement of pending dues, improved electricity supply, and better fertilizer availability. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-01: Farmers in India protest for higher sugarcane prices and unpaid dues Farmers in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are protesting to demand higher sugarcane prices, the settlement of pending dues, and better agricultural resources. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/farmers-in-india-protest-for-higher-sugarcane-prices-and-unpaid-dues ### 2026-08-24: Sugarcane farmers face Rs 16,087 crore in unpaid arrears amid policy criticism The All India Kisan Sabha reports Rs 16,087 crore in unpaid sugarcane arrears, accusing government policies of favoring sugar mills and industrial users over farmers despite rising sugar prices. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sugarcane-farmers-face-rs-16087-crore-in-unpaid-arrears-amid-policy-criticism --- Cite as: Indian sugarcane farmers' debt and pricing protests. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indian-sugarcane-farmers-debt-and-pricing-protests