With the Uttarakhand government having formed a committee of experts to decide the state advised price (SAP) for sugarcane, the crushing season for the crop in the state is expected to start after November 15.
The SAP for sugarcane last year was Rs 250-255 a quintal. This season also, it could remain on the upward side of Rs 250-255, official sources said.
“Expectations are the cane crushing season will begin after November 15,” said S S Rawat, sugarcane secretary. He also said the government has set up a committee of experts to decide the SAP.
Though the government has set up an expert committee, after the high court order to decide the SAP, the state normally declares the price only after such announcement by the neighbouring Uttar Pradesh government.
However, it was not yet clear whether the government would also make any announcement regarding bonus to farmers but has asserted the mills are independent to take a decision on this issue.
Resentment had been growing among farmers against non-declaration of SAP during the past one month. Farmers are demanding the SAP should be more than Rs 250 per quintal.
Meanwhile, the government has also released Rs 95 crore to pay the dues of cane growers in the state.
