Central Government to Form Joint Committee Addressing Sugarcane Farmers Issues, Says Prahlad Joshi

New Delhi, October 13 (Daily Kiran) : The central government is set to create a joint committee aimed at resolving the issues faced by sugarcane farmers, according to Prahlad Joshi, the Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs. Speaking in New Delhi, Joshi emphasized that a recent meeting with farmers from Karnataka and Maharashtra was productive, urging them to avoid disruptive protests such as road blockades.

For the first time, farmers were invited to Delhi to voice their grievances and engage in detailed discussions. Joshi reassured the farmers that the government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is dedicated to protecting their interests and will take constructive steps to address their concerns.

During a press briefing, Joshi reiterated the government’s commitment to collaborate with state governments, putting aside political affiliations to tackle the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers. Alongside Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Joshi spent three to four hours in discussions with senior officials, state representatives, and farmer leaders.

“Resolving the issues of sugarcane farmers cannot be achieved in just a day or by a couple of ministries alone. It requires coordinated efforts from multiple ministries and the involvement of state governments. We will soon bring good news for sugarcane farmers, so there is no need for anyone to block roads,” he stated.

The decision to form a joint committee comprising sugarcane farmers, agricultural scientists, and representatives from both central and state governments was announced. This committee will examine the farmers’ issues and propose long-term solutions.

Joshi dismissed claims that the meeting in Delhi was unproductive, describing the discussions with farmer leaders from Karnataka and Maharashtra as constructive and fruitful. He noted that the farmer leader Raju Shetty agreed with the government’s decision to create a joint committee to study the issues and work towards sustainable solutions.

During the meeting, representatives from three to four farmer organizations provided suggestions that were taken into consideration. Topics discussed included demands for a fair and remunerative price, minimum support price, issues related to weighing sugarcane, the nine percent wastage deduction by sugar mills post-harvest, and setting separate prices for commercial use.

Joshi urged the Karnataka government to implement a ‘State Advisory Price’ for sugarcane to protect farmers’ interests. He pointed out that states like Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh have already adopted such measures, and suggested that Karnataka should consider similar steps to ensure better returns for its sugarcane farmers.

He also mentioned that the central government has urged the state to take stringent action against sugar mills regarding sugar recovery rates, the nine percent wastage deduction, and discrepancies in weighing sugarcane.