Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh: Several sugar mill owners in Uttar Pradesh (UP) have raised concerns about a significant diversion of sugarcane to jaggery manufacturing units this year, offering farmers a lucrative price ranging from Rs 375 to 410 per quintal across all 47 sugarcane-producing districts in the state, reported The Times of India.
Mill owners have expressed apprehension that this diversion could hinder the fulfillment of cane supplies, leading to a potential decline in sugar production for the year 2023-24. They highlighted the state government’s silence on announcing the state-advised price (SAP) of sugarcane for the current crushing year as a key factor influencing farmers to opt for jaggery units. These units provide immediate payment to farmers, contrasting with the delayed government payment system.
The operations of the state’s 120 functional sugar mills typically start turning between the last week of October and the middle of November each year. The government usually announce the SAP of sugarcane before the onset of the crushing season.
Another contributing factor affecting sugarcane supplies to mills is the prevalence of the red rot disease, particularly intense in the Terai region compared to western UP.
