In a major relief measure for sugarcane farmers, the Karnataka government has released Rs 300 crore for the 2025–26 season, with Rs 50 per tonne to those who supplied cane to sugar factories across the state, Minister Shivanand Patil announced on Wednesday, PTI reported
Patil, who holds the portfolios of Sugarcane Development, Sugar, Textiles and Agricultural Marketing, said the support is part of the state’s plan to provide Rs 100 per tonne over and above the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP). The cost of this assistance will be shared equally between the government and sugar factories.
In a statement, the minister said the Rs 300 crore released by the government represents its share of Rs 50 per tonne for farmers who delivered sugarcane during the current season. He noted that the decision was taken at a meeting held at Vidhana Soudha on November 8 last year, chaired by the Chief Minister, where it was agreed to provide an additional Rs 100 per tonne above the FRP.
As per the agreement, the state government and sugar factories will each contribute Rs 50 per tonne. Patil said the government has now released its portion in line with that decision.
Based on proposals submitted by sugar factories, the Sugarcane Development Commissioner will transfer the funds to the Deputy Commissioners. Instructions have been issued to ensure that Rs 50 per tonne is directly deposited into farmers’ bank accounts according to the quantity of cane supplied.
Deputy Commissioners have also been directed to make sure that sugar factory managements release their Rs 50 per tonne share to eligible farmers.
Providing details of the ongoing crushing season, the minister said 521 lakh metric tonnes of sugarcane have been crushed so far, and the total is expected to reach about 600 lakh metric tonnes by the end of the season.
During the 2025–26 season, 81 sugar factories have begun crushing operations, and 29 have already completed the process.
The minister said the crushing season is expected to end by the first week of March, and the financial assistance has been calculated based on the estimated total crushing of 600 lakh metric tonnes.
