Pune: In Maharashtra, 203 sugar mills have applied for permits to begin this month’s sugarcane crushing season. However, uncertainty remains about the exact start date for crushing operations, reported Agrowon.
As per the media report, an additional 4-5 mills are expected to submit applications. Last season, 208 mills obtained permits, allowing for the timely crushing of 1,076 lakh tons of sugarcane. These mills paid over ₹36,600 crore to sugarcane farmers under the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) system.
For the 2024-25 season, 101 cooperatives and 102 private mills have applied for permits.
While mills are preparing for crushing, uncertainty remains about the actual start date. The state government has set November 15 as the start date for operations, but with assembly elections approaching, some political parties have requested a delay. They argue that an early start could prevent thousands of sugarcane harvesting workers from participating in voting. However, the sugar industry warns that a delay could cause significant losses for farmers and mills.
