The Center is setting up a panel to study the problems of sugarcane growers

Representative file image. | Photo credit: R. Vengadesh

The Union government on Tuesday (Oct 13, 2026) constituted a four-member panel headed by former NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand to look into the issues raised by sugarcane farmers and recommend “appropriate measures” to address their concerns. Representatives of sugarcane growers from Karnataka and Maharashtra met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi, who demanded that the government increase revenue for sugarcane farmers.

A report issued by the Union food ministry said the panel will examine the demand keeping in view the cost of cultivation and other relevant factors. “It will also examine the demand for revision of minimum selling price (MSP) of mill sugar in the context of cost of sugar production, market realization and financial viability of sugar mills,” it said.

“Other key areas of investigation will include existing sugar yield testing and reporting mechanisms, measures to ensure transparent yield verification and prevailing sugarcane weighing practices in sugar mills, including the adequacy of calibration, control and verification mechanisms,” the report added.

The Committee will also examine the prevailing practices relating to deductions from mechanically harvested sugarcane weight and assess the extent of actual losses, if any, resulting from mechanized harvesting. “It will assess the financial impact of current practices on the price of cane payable to farmers and may consider any other related matters it deems necessary,” the government said.

The committee will consult all stakeholders, including farmers’ representatives, sugar millers’ associations, state governments and other experts or organizations as necessary. “The committee will submit its report containing its findings and specific recommendations to the appropriate authority for consideration as soon as possible,” the statement added.

The panel except prof. Chanda consists of Commissioner for Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare; Joint Secretary (Sugar), Food and Public Distribution Department and Joint Secretary (Legal Metrology), Consumer Affairs Department as members.

Published – 14 October 2026 22:50 IST