Dharmapuri: Farmers supplying sugarcane to the Subramaniya Siva Cooperative Sugar Mill in Harur have expressed concern over a decline in the sugar recovery rate and urged authorities to boost cultivation in the district. According to the farmers, the recovery rate at the mill dropped from 10.65% in 2023-24 to 10.43% this year, reported The New Indian Express.
The Subramaniya Siva Cooperative Sugar Mill is one of Tamil Nadu’s top-performing mills, known for its high recovery rates and profitability. In 2022, the mill recorded a 10.94% recovery rate, which declined to 10.65% in 2023-24 and further decreased to 10.43% this year. Farmers attribute the decline to several factors, including poor-quality sugarcane buds, lack of awareness about pest control, inadequate water management techniques, and lack of crop insurance.
Speaking to reporters, a farmer from Pappireddipatti highlighted the impact of last year’s drought. “We initially aimed to cultivate sugarcane on 14,000 acres, but due to the severe drought, only 5,000 acres were viable, while the rest withered away. Some sugarcane was also brought in from Mohanur and Palacode, leading to a total crushing of just over 1.15 lakh metric tonnes. However, the mill can crush over four lakh metric tonnes. This year’s lower recovery rate has resulted in farmers losing about Rs 150 per tonne,” he said.
Another farmer from Harur pointed out that water scarcity and climate conditions are not the only reasons for the low recovery rate. “We need better support from the mills. They should supply high-quality buds, introduce sub-surface irrigation methods, and implement measures to control pest infestations. Since these steps are not being taken, the quality of sugarcane is deteriorating, affecting the recovery rate,” he stated.
A sugarcane farmer from Morappur emphasized the timing of mill operations as another factor affecting yield. “The recovery rate is affected when mills do not operate at the right time. Crushing operations should start between October and November for optimal results. This year, crushing began in January, which naturally led to a lower recovery rate,” he explained.
Responding to farmers’ concerns, Collector R. Sadheesh assured them that steps would be taken to address the issue. “Based on the farmers’ requests, we have instructed the mills in Harur and Palacode to prepare a detailed action plan to improve both yield and recovery rates. Measures will be taken to enhance the overall capabilities of the mills and boost productivity, which will help improve the recovery rate,” he said.
