The Maharashtra government on Tuesday issued a circular directing sugar mills to pay the fair and remunerative price (FRP) to farmers in a single installment. This move follows a legal challenge by Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna leader Raju Shetti, who contested the state’s February 2022 decision to pay FRP payments in installments. The court instructed the state government to follow the central act.
“I welcome the state government’s decision to instruct sugar factories to give FRP in a single installment. The practice of one installment was changed by the state authorities under pressure from sugar mills, before it followed the high court’s rule. I have heard that the state government is planning to move the Supreme Court over the decision, and it will be against farmers’ interest,” said Shetti.
He added that a caveat has already been filed in the Supreme Court, ensuring that the farmers’ side will be heard before any ruling is made.
