Sugarcane farmers plan highway blockade over price demands

Sugarcane farming associations have called for a nationwide highway blockade commencing October 13 to protest against inadequate prices and delayed payments from sugar mills. The threatened action represents a significant escalation in ongoing tensions between farmers and industry stakeholders over fair compensation for their produce.

Farmers have cited prolonged delays in receiving payments from sugar mills and what they characterize as below-cost pricing mechanisms as primary grievances. Agricultural representatives have indicated that previous appeals to state and central governments have yielded insufficient relief, prompting the decision to undertake direct action.

The proposed blockade threatens to disrupt transportation and supply chains across major corridors. Industry observers expect the action could impact sugar production timelines and logistics networks if farmers proceed with the demonstration.

Sugarcane cultivation remains a significant agricultural sector in India, supporting millions of farming households. Previous instances of farmer agitations have prompted government intervention and negotiated settlements, though structural issues around pricing mechanisms and mill payment practices persist across major sugarcane-growing regions.