Patna: The government of Bihar has announced an increase of Rs 20 per quintal in sugarcane prices. The new rates will be effective from the current crushing season. This move aims to benefit nearly 300,000 sugarcane farmers in the state by ensuring higher payments for their produce, reported Live Hindustan.
The decision was endorsed during a meeting chaired by the Minister of Sugar Industry, Alok Kumar Mehta, on Saturday. The directives in this regard were issued after discussions held during the initial meeting with sugar mill owners.
Alok Kumar Mehta, the Minister of the Sugar Industry, highlighted that this increase would boost sugarcane production and productivity, ultimately benefiting the state’s sugar mill industry. The move is expected to provide impetus to the sugar mill industry in the state. The Principal Secretary, Girwar Dayal Singh, informed that the prices have been increased by Rs 20 per quintal for both common and early varieties. Consequently, farmers will now receive Rs 355 per quintal for the early variety and Rs. 335 per quintal for the common variety.
The price for the lower variety has been raised by Rs 15 per quintal, with farmers now receiving Rs 300 per quintal. Notably, sugar mills have commenced operations since November, and farmers have been directed to receive their dues promptly. This announcement follows a recent meeting between JD (U) leader Manjit Kumar Singh and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at the latter’s residence. During the meeting, Singh apprised the Chief Minister of the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers, urging the implementation of an online payment system for their convenience.
