Sugarcane FRP: Agreement Reached with Farmers Regarding Fair and Remunerative Price in Three Phases
Nanded News:
The Bhaurao Chavan Cooperative Sugar Factory has been engaging in an unlawful agreement with sugarcane growers, proposing payment of the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) in three phases. Hanumant Rajegare, District President of the Swabhimani Farmers' Association, has urged farmers not to sign any such contract and instead consider selling sugarcane to jaggery producers or other factories that offer higher prices.
According to the law, sugarcane farmers should receive the full FRP within 14 days of their sugarcane being cut. However, the previous Mahavikas Aghadi government made an unfortunate decision to abolish this requirement. It was decided that farmers would no longer be entitled to interest on delayed FRP payments.
Exploiting this situation, factories in the state are now pressuring sugarcane growers into signing illegal contracts, alleges Hanumant Rajegore. He stated that the Bhaurao Chavan Cooperative Sugar Factory in Degaon-Yelegaon, located in Ardhapur taluka of Nanded district, has commenced drafting contracts for newly planted farmers in their operational area.
The agreement entails the following: We will accept unclaimed sugarcane for crushing. The first installment, amounting to 75% of the FRP, will be paid after deducting the costs of cutting and transporting the sugarcane, which will go to the laborers involved. The second installment, equal to 15%, will be deposited into the farmers' accounts by July 31st.
As per the terms, the third installment, equivalent to 10% of the FRP, will be credited to the farmers' accounts by October 31st after the sugarcane supply. Hanumant Rajegore added that if the FRP is not paid in three stages as outlined, he is prepared to waive the right to interest on the amount.
Pune News:
"sugar mill geting profit from different sub product not only from sugar" , fertilizer , ethanol etc . Farmers are entitled to a 50% share of this increased profit, which amounts to Rs. 500 per quintal above the FRP. Failure to comply will result in the blocking of the upcoming season," warned Raju Shetty, the leader of the Swabhimani Shetkar Sangathan, during a press conference on Friday (15th).
Shetty further stated, "This year's sugarcane season has been unfavorably affected by this drought 2023-24.
Currently, there is a sugar stock of 25 to 30 lakh tonnes in the country, which is relatively low. However, there are no losses incurred by sugar mills due to the low stock, as the sugar price has increased from Rs. 3,300 to Rs. 3,850 per quintal. Additionally, many factories are producing ethanol at a percentage higher than the stipulated amount. Farmers are entitled to 164% of ethanol production costs, resulting in an ethanol selling price of around Rs. 250 to Rs. 300."
Based on this, the sugarcane price for the previous season should be increased by Rs. 500 above the FRP. In case the government fails to address this demand, various phases of agitation will be initiated after October 2nd. Shetty revealed that four meetings have been held with the Chief Minister regarding the lump sum FRP, but no action has been taken by the government.
Kharif crops situation in the state:- (affected by drought)
"Even after the of agriculture kharif crops are down , the government still not ready to declare drought in region. Many villages have not received any rainfall for over a month...
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