Namakkal, Tamil Nadu: The sugarcane crushing season in Namakkal is likely to commence by mid-November, with nearly one lakh tonnes of sugarcane already registered for processing at the Salem Co-operative Sugar Mills Limited. An additional 25,000 tonnes are anticipated through spot registrations, bringing renewed optimism among farmers for better profits, reported The New Indian Express.
According to Managing Director R. Kuppusamy, sugarcane from Jedarpalayam, Paramathi Velur, Mohanur, and Senthamangalam remains the primary supply source for the mill.
Sugarcane cultivation and supply have seen a sharp decline from the 2017 peak of four lakh tonnes. In previous years, only registered farmers were permitted to supply cane, but this year, spot registrations have been introduced to encourage more participation. “We expect the support price to be raised this year, compared to Rs. 3,500 per tonne last year,” Kuppusamy said.
However, many farmers remain cautious due to delayed payments in the previous season. “We’ll believe the price only when payments are made on time. Last year, it took nearly four months, creating uncertainty and pushing several farmers toward alternative crops,” said K. Balasubramaniam, general secretary of the Vivasaya Munnetra Kazhagam.
Kuppusamy acknowledged that the lower recovery rate last year affected profitability. “Only 75,000 tonnes of cane were crushed, producing around 5,250 tonnes of sugar. Payments were made only after government funds were released. This season, with higher crushing volumes and improved recovery rates, we aim to settle payments soon after processing,” he assured.
The recovery rate, which stood at about seven percent last year due to ageing machinery installed in 1964, is expected to improve to 8.5–9% following a Rs. 2-crore machinery overhaul, he added.
