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By:

Rajendra Joshi

3 December 2024 at 9:20:26 am

Centre pushes for early sugarcane crushing

Mills seek special subsidy Kolhapur: Despite an estimated 30-40 lakh tonnes of sugar being available in excess of domestic demand, the Centre is stepping up efforts to keep sugar prices under control. The Union Food Ministry has urged Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka to advance the 2026-27 sugarcane crushing season so that fresh sugar reaches the market before the existing stock is exhausted. Sugar mills, however, say an early start will come at a cost. They are seeking special...

Centre pushes for early sugarcane crushing

Mills seek special subsidy Kolhapur: Despite an estimated 30-40 lakh tonnes of sugar being available in excess of domestic demand, the Centre is stepping up efforts to keep sugar prices under control. The Union Food Ministry has urged Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka to advance the 2026-27 sugarcane crushing season so that fresh sugar reaches the market before the existing stock is exhausted. Sugar mills, however, say an early start will come at a cost. They are seeking special financial assistance to compensate for the likely fall in sugar recovery and the reduction in cane weight that could result from crushing in October. India produced around 280 lakh tonnes of sugar last season. The season began with stocks of nearly 50 lakh tonnes, while annual domestic consumption is estimated at around 280 lakh tonnes. With about 35 lakh tonnes expected to remain in stock by September 30, the Centre wants the new season’s production to start flowing into the market without waiting for the traditional crushing cycle. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka account for nearly 80 per cent of India’s sugar production. The Union Food Ministry has therefore written to the chief ministers of the three states, asking them to bring forward the start of the 2026-27 crushing season. The push comes against the backdrop of a sharp movement in sugar prices. Ex-mill prices had earlier climbed to around Rs 68 per kg, pushing retail prices close to Rs 80 per kg. Following a series of measures by the Centre, ex-mill prices have since declined to around Rs 41 per kg. Yet, the government is looking at further measures to bring prices down and ensure that stocks move into the market. One such measure has been the approval of imports of one million tonnes of raw sugar. Since initial applications covered only around eight lakh tonnes, the Centre has invited applications for the remaining quota. It has also reduced the permissible stockholding limit for traders from 400 tonnes to 200 tonnes. The next major point of discussion will be the meeting convened by Union Food and Public Distribution Secretary Sanjeev Chopra with the sugar industry in New Delhi on September 8. The secretaries of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka have also been invited. West Indian Sugar Mills Association (WISMA) president B. B. Thombre said the Centre was pushing for crushing to begin around the middle of October. Traditionally, most mills in Maharashtra begin operations around November 15, largely because sugarcane harvesting labour becomes available only after Diwali. The industry is, however, willing to explore an early start between October 20 and 25. But early crushing could have significant implications. According to Thombre, sugar recovery could fall by around 1.5 percentage points, while the weight of sugarcane supplied by farmers could decline by 10-15 per cent. The industry will therefore seek special assistance for cane crushed between October 15 and November 15. At the September 8 meeting, it plans to demand a subsidy of Rs 500 per tonne for sugar mills and Rs 300 per tonne directly for sugarcane farmers.

Atishi slams BJP for failing to deliver ₹2,500 aid, free LPG cylinders to Delhi women

Delhi LoP Atishi calls BJP’s poll promises a "jumla," as women protest with empty cylinders ahead of Holi


Atishi

New Delhi: Delhi Assembly Leader of Opposition Atishi on Wednesday criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to fulfill key election promises made to Delhi's women, including a monthly ₹2,500 aid under the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana and free LPG cylinders.

Addressing the media, Atishi accused the BJP of misleading voters. "The ₹2,500 scheme turned out to be a 'jumla.' Women were promised free LPG cylinders during Holi, but with only two days left, they are still waiting. Across Delhi, women are protesting with empty cylinders against the BJP’s false promises," she said.

BJP's Unfulfilled Promises

In its Delhi Assembly election manifesto, the BJP pledged financial assistance of ₹2,500 per month for women and subsidized LPG cylinders at ₹500 for low-income households. Additionally, the party promised a free cylinder on Holi and Diwali.

Despite assurances, the BJP-led Delhi government, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has yet to roll out the scheme. On March 8, speaking at an International Women’s Day event, CM Gupta reiterated her commitment to women's welfare, stating, "We will fulfill all promises and work to enhance women's security."

AAP Accuses BJP of Deflection

AAP leader Gopal Rai accused the BJP of indulging in a "blame game" to divert attention from its unfulfilled commitments. He criticized the BJP for selectively tabling CAG reports in the Assembly, alleging it was a tactic to evade accountability.

With growing protests and mounting criticism, the BJP faces increasing pressure to clarify its stance on the promised schemes ahead of the festive season.


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