Chamarajanagar, 20 Feb

Farmers in Chamarajanagar are facing a tough time as sugar factories have reportedly begun crushing immature sugarcane, much to the dismay of farmers.

The premature crushing of sugarcane is expected to lead to a reduction in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) offered to farmers, resulting in a potential loss of over Rs 200 per ton of sugarcane, compared to the current rate of Rs 3,200 per ton.

The FRP rate, determined by the central government, is based on the sugar yield of the harvested sugarcane. With immature sugarcane being processed, the sugar yield is expected to decrease, resulting in a loss for farmers.

Ballari Amman Sugar Factory in Kuntur village, Kollegala taluk, allegedly procured sugarcane which has been growing for only 6 to 7 months. Typically, sugarcane should mature for 12 to 14 months before harvesting to ensure optimal sugar production.

Farmers allege that the factory's decision to crush immature sugarcane is a strategic move to alleviate their financial burden, disregarding the negative impact it will have on local sugarcane growers.

Many farmers fear that if this practice continues, it could lead to a decline in the quality of sugarcane and ultimately, a reduction in the prices offered to farmers. The government and agriculture officials have been urged to intervene and take necessary action against sugar factories.