Politics · India Bureau
Sugar mills cannot crush cane without farmer consent: Minister
Karnataka's sugarcane minister has asserted that sugar mills are bound by regulations requiring farmer agreement before beginning crushing operations. The statement comes amid accusations that the Centre is politicising sugarcane policy.
LSN India ·
Sugar mills across the country cannot commence crushing operations without explicit consent from farmers, according to Karnataka's sugarcane minister Satish Jarkiholi. The minister's assertion underscores existing regulatory frameworks designed to protect farmer interests in the sugarcane supply chain.
Jarkiholi criticised the Centre's approach to sugarcane policy, alleging that the national government is using the issue for political gain rather than implementing farmer-friendly measures. He emphasised that any decision regarding crushing schedules must respect the rights and readiness of cane growers.
The statement reflects ongoing tensions between state governments and federal authorities over sugarcane administration in India. Farmers have long raised concerns about their bargaining power when dealing with large sugar manufacturing units, making regulatory protections a contentious issue in sugarcane-producing regions.
The minister's remarks suggest that state authorities remain committed to enforcing compliance with established protocols that prioritise farmer interests, even as policy disputes continue at the national level.