Govt considering proposal to increase sugar MSP from Rs 31 per kg

A task force constituted by Niti Aayog on sugarcane and sugar industry has recommended a one-time increase of Rs 2 per kg

The government is considering a proposal to increase the minimum selling price (MSP) of sugar from Rs 31 per kg in order to help millers clear cane dues of about Rs 22,000 crore to farmers, Food Secretary Sudhanshu Pandey said on Thursday.

He said the measures being taken by the government will ensure early clearance of subs­tantial cane arrears to farmers. "We’ve received views from state governments on the ma­tter. Even Niti Aayog has reco­m­mended a hike. We are look­ing into the matter. We will take a balanced approach in the interest of both farmers and consumers,” Pandey said.

But