The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has recently revealed that prices of sugar have not been revised for the past two years, despite a significant hike in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) by 11.5%. This news has raised concerns among the public and the industry alike, as it directly affects the livelihood of millions of sugarcane farmers and the overall economy of the country.
The FRP is the minimum price that sugar mills are required to pay to sugarcane farmers for their produce. It is determined by the government every year, taking into consideration various factors such as production costs, market trends, and the welfare of farmers. The FRP for the current year has been set at Rs. 285 per quintal, which is a significant increase from the previous year’s price of Rs. 255 per quintal.
Despite this substantial hike in FRP, the prices of sugar have remained stagnant for the past two years. This has led to a decrease in the income of sugarcane farmers, who are already struggling with rising input costs and other challenges. The ISMA Director General, Mr. Abinash Verma, has expressed his concern over this issue and has urged the government to take necessary steps to address it.
The sugar industry plays a crucial role in the Indian economy, providing employment to millions of people and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. However, the current situation has put a strain on the industry, with many sugar mills facing financial difficulties. The lack of revision in sugar prices has further added to their woes, making it difficult for them to sustain their operations.
Moreover, the stagnant prices of sugar have also affected the consumers, who have not seen any reduction in the cost of this essential commodity. This has led to a sense of dissatisfaction among the public, who are already burdened with the rising cost of living.
In light of these concerns, the ISMA has requested the government to intervene and take necessary measures to address the issue. They have suggested that the government should consider increasing the minimum selling price of sugar to ensure that the industry remains viable and sugarcane farmers receive fair remuneration for their produce.
The government has also been urged to provide financial assistance to sugar mills to help them clear their pending dues to sugarcane farmers. This will not only benefit the farmers but also help in reviving the financial health of the sugar industry.
It is worth noting that the sugar industry has been facing challenges for the past few years, with fluctuations in sugar prices and excess production leading to a surplus in the market. The industry has been working towards finding solutions to these challenges, and the recent hike in FRP was a step in the right direction. However, the lack of revision in sugar prices has hindered the progress made by the industry and has put the livelihood of sugarcane farmers at risk.
In conclusion, the ISMA’s revelation about the stagnant sugar prices is a cause for concern and requires immediate attention from the government. It is essential to strike a balance between the interests of all stakeholders, including sugarcane farmers, sugar mills, and consumers. The government must take necessary steps to ensure that the sugar industry remains sustainable and sugarcane farmers receive fair remuneration for their hard work. Let us hope that the government takes prompt action to address this issue and bring relief to all those affected by the stagnant sugar prices.
