Union Minister Anurag Thakur said here on Wednesday that the union cabinet has approved a fair and remunerative price for sugarcane farmers of Rs 315 per quintal, the highest ever.
He stated that sugar procurement has increased to Rs 1,13,000 crore, with total procurement totaling Rs 7,86,066 crore from 2014 to 23. Addressing a press conference, the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister said, “PM Modi has always been in support of farmers, that’s why the ministry was named ‘Agriculture and Farmers Welfare’. The cabinet has approved the highest-ever fair and remunerative price of Rs 315/quintal for sugarcane farmers for the sugar season 2023-24.”
“The decision will benefit 5 crore sugarcane farmers and their dependents, as well as 5 lakh workers employed in the sugar mills and related ancillary activities,” he added.
In comparison to previous governments, the Union Minister stated that the BJP government has made timely payments to sugarcane farmers.
“In 2013-14, the rate was Rs 210 per quintal, with a total procurement of around Rs 97,104 crore.” Under the BJP government, it has risen to Rs 1,13,000 crore. The total procurement under the UPA regime was Rs 2,71,204 crore. While procurement of Rs 7,86,066 crore has already been completed for 2014-23. Sugarcane farmers had to block roads and protest for their payments at the time. However, in recent years, all payments have been made on time, and all backlogs have been cleared,” he said.
He went on to say that the scheme of mixing ethanol with crude oil has also proven to be beneficial in a variety of ways.
“Prime Minister Modi has emphasized the importance of blending ethanol with crude oil, as well as gasoline and diesel.” Rs 20,500 crore has been set aside for this purpose. This demonstrates that they now have more cash; previously, they were overstocked and farmers did not receive payments. It has strengthened our Atmanirbharta, reduced the use of foreign exchange, and fueled the growth of the ethanol sector,” Thakur added.