New Delhi: Centre should fix the Minimum Selling Price (MSP) for sugar at Rs 38 per kg to stabilize the sugar sector in the country, said former MP and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana President Raju Shetti.
Shetti raised the issue of sugar MSP during his recent meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. He also urged Gadkari to formulate a policy aimed at increasing ethanol prices and to promptly decide on sugar exports.
He emphasized the necessity for the central government to intervene and make determinations regarding the sugar export policy.
Shetti expressed his concern that due to the government’s policies, economic challenges are being faced not only by sugarcane farmers but also by farmers cultivating other crops such as soybean, cotton, onions, and rice.
He highlighted that the dedicated efforts of Minister Gadkari have effectively boost ethanol industry, resulting in improved revenue for sugar mills across the country. Given the rise in input costs, the production expenses for sugarcane have escalated. Thus, it becomes imperative for the government to increase the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) to offer financial relief to sugarcane farmers.
Taking these issues into consideration, Shetti recommended that the government establish the MSP for sugar at Rs 38 per kilogram and make a decisive call on the sugar export policy.
Dual sugar pricing is solution. For consumers at concessional price and commercial use at market rate will balance both for farmers and consumer.