Posted August 20, 2021

Day 267

Toll 565+

Jalandhar

Major protest on by sugarcane farmers in Jalandhar against government increase in procurement rate of Rs 15. This is the first increase in 4 years and completely favours the sugar lobby.

Panjab has 9 Co-op Sugar Mills operating at 25 per cent capacity. The state has 7 private mills operating on 75 per cent capacity. Sugarcane prices have stayed static for last 4 years at Rs 310 per quintal.

Haryana rates are Rs 358 per quintal. Government has increased price by Rs 15, farmers demand Rs 400 per quintal. In Uttar Pradesh, dues to farmers over years accrue to over Rs 20,000 crores.

Mills are mulling increase in customer prices. Would you pay more for sugar that causes diabetes and host of other health issues? If not, support the strike. Get the government to intervene.