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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.

Two-Wheeler Ride Apps in Mumbai: A Smart, Sensible Choice 

Used wisely and safely, app-based two-wheeler rides offer a convenient, economical, and eco-friendly way to commute.

Mumbai never stops moving, yet movement is often the slowest, with cars, buses, autos, lorries, and taxis crowding every inch of road. In this fast-paced yet congested setting, app-based two-wheeler rides have quietly become a game-changer. What began as an experiment is now a practical, economical, and even nostalgic option for lakhs of commuters.More than a ride, it has become a refreshing lifestyle shift—especially for middle-aged individuals who find it pleasantly reminiscent of their college days.

 

Mumbai’s Smart Move

They beat traffic: Mumbai’s roads are choked at any hour. A bike slips through narrow gaps, avoids deadlocks, and reaches the destination in half the time. For those on tight schedules—office-goers, tutors, teachers, or students—this time-saving edge is priceless.


Highly cost-effective: Bike rides often cost half or even a third of an auto or cab. Saving ₹20–₹50 per trip adds up to a few hundred rupees a month—and much more over a year—money that can go towards leisure, travel, or personal goals.


Comfortable for short distances: For 3–8 km trips, bikes are the smartest choice. They aren’t tiring, expensive, or time-consuming—perfect for quick daily commutes.


Environment-friendly: A bike occupies less road space, uses less fuel, and emits less carbon than cars or autos. It makes your commute lighter on both your pocket and the planet.


Nostalgic and refreshing: For middle-aged commuters, riding a two-wheeler again brings back college-day memories—the wind, the freedom, that youthful lightness. It feels less like a chore and more like a small moment of joy. For youngsters, it’s a style statement and the quickest way to explore the city.


Perfect for tight schedules: When you’re running late or stuck in sudden traffic, a bike ride almost always gets you there on time. That reliability makes it truly dependable.


Smart Usage Tips

Choose well-rated drivers: Check the driver’s rating before booking. Anything above 4.6 usually signals reliability, safety, and good behaviour.


Use it for the right trips: Short daily commutes• Last-mile travel• Quick runs to classes or meetings• Time-critical situations


Book only through official apps: Avoid unregistered freelance riders. Official apps offer live tracking, ride history, SOS features, and insurance coverage.


Check the fare first: Peak pricing can be high, so compare apps when you can.


Keep your hands free: avoid big or heavy bags. Use a backpack for better balance.


Wear the helmet provided: Most riders carry a spare—ask for it without hesitation.


Do’s and Don’ts

DO’s

  • Wear a helmet—non-negotiable

  • Sit upright to avoid back strain

  • Hold the side handles or keep balanced

  • Share your ride with a trusted person if you're late

  • Check vehicle condition (tyres, seat, brake feel, if possible)

  • Talk politely with the rider

  • Ensure the rider follows traffic rules


DON’Ts

  • Don’t sit sideways—always sit facing forward

  • Don’t take a ride without a helmet

  • Don’t carry very heavy shopping bags or luggage

  • Don’t use your phone while on the bike

  • Don’t force the rider to overspeed

  • Don’t take rides in heavy rain unless necessary

 

The Growing Trend

This category is growing rapidly due to:

Traffic crisis: Cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad face severe congestion. Youngsters and professionals now prioritise speed over comfort.

Affordability: With rising inflation, people prefer options that offer comfort and speed while still saving money.

Youth influence: Students and young professionals adopt trends quickly. Its usage encourages middle-aged commuters to try it too.

Lifestyle choice: Bike rides feel compact, quick, and liberating—a small burst of freedom in a busy day.

Emotional connection: For many middle-aged riders, it’s a throwback to younger days—the breeze, the bends, the nostalgia—bringing a renewed sense of youthfulness.

 

Small Ride, Big Change

Taking app-based two-wheeler rides in a city like Mumbai is more than a practical commute—it’s a smart financial choice, a time-saver, and often a small emotional refresh. Used responsibly, these rides can make daily travel smoother, faster, and far more enjoyable.


With the right precautions and awareness, this simple option can add real comfort to urban life.


I didn’t know about this two-wheeler app or what I was missing until a friend explained its benefits. I tried it once, and since then it has become part of my routine—efficient, effortless, and smooth, like a well-designed machine.


It has truly been a game-changer—saving money, saving time, and turning daily travel into something calmer and more balanced. My commute feels lighter, and honestly, I’m impressed.This small shift has brought ease, clarity, and progress. Try it—you may just rediscover life.


(The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)


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