World · India Bureau
Sugarcane farmers demand faster FRP hike, challenge panel composition
Farming groups have intensified pressure on the government over delayed decisions on Fair and Remunerative Price increases, while questioning the absence of farmer representatives in the Ramesh Chand panel tasked with reviewing the pricing mechanism.
LSN India ·
Sugarcane cultivators across major producing regions have stepped up their agitation, citing prolonged delays in announcing upward revisions to the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for the upcoming season. The protests underscore growing frustration among farming communities over what they describe as insufficient government action on their core demand for price supports.
A significant point of contention has emerged regarding the composition of the committee headed by economist Ramesh Chand, which has been assigned to examine sugarcane pricing policies. Farmer representatives have objected to their exclusion from the panel, arguing that their direct input and experience are essential for formulating effective pricing recommendations.
The FRP, announced annually by the government, sets the minimum price at which sugar mills must purchase sugarcane from farmers. Any delay in announcing the rate for the new season creates uncertainty in the market and affects planting decisions and agricultural planning.
Farming organizations have called for both accelerated decision-making on price increases and a restructured committee that includes farmer delegates. They have warned of intensifying their agitation if their concerns are not addressed promptly by the authorities.