UP minister to meet sugar millers

The Uttar Pradesh minister for cane development and sugar industry Nasimuddin Siddiqui has called for a meeting with the state sugar millers on Wednesday to discuss the stalemate over the state advised price (SAP) of sugarcane and delay in crushing operations.

“The government is trying to impress upon millers to begin crushing since the delay is causing hardships to the large number of sugarcane growers,” said industry sources. Usually, crushing in the state begins in the second half of October.

The delay in crushing by mills is affecting the farmers, who need to vacate the fields to sow wheat. A part of the realisation from sale of cane is used for buying seeds and inputs for sowing of wheat. On October 18, the state government had declared a SAP of Rs 140 a quintal for sugarcane. Sugar mills, however, say they are not in a financial position to pay this rate.

Mills are likely to begin crushing only after the issue is legally resolved. The industry has filed a writ petition at the Allahabad HC against the cane price of Rs 140 a quintal declared by the state government. The next date of hearing is November 18. Industry sources have indicated that they would approach the SC if the High Court’s decision is not favourable.