Farmers Protest: After 9 days of the stern farmers protest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reacted for the first time saying that the central government is committed to fulfill every resolution related to welfare of farmer. The statement of PM Modi came following a day after the cabinet on Wednesday approved 8% higher than Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane for current season. The revised FRP will be applicable with effect from October 1, 2024.
Farmers Protest - PM Modi’s Tweet
Taking the matter to X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the government's dedication to fulfilling resolutions aimed at the welfare of farmers nationwide.
He announced a significant and historic increase in the purchase price of sugarcane, highlighting that this decision is poised to bring substantial benefits to millions of sugarcane-producing farmers in the country.
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Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for Sugar Season 2024-25
On Wednesday, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made a groundbreaking decision by approving the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane in the upcoming Sugar Season 2024-25. The sanctioned price stands at ₹340/quintal at a sugar recovery rate of 10.25%, marking an 8% increase from the current season's FRP for sugarcane. The revised FRP will come into effect from October 1, 2024.
Farmers Protest - Ensuring Prosperity for Sugarcane Farmers
This historic FRP, set at 107% higher than the A2 FL cost of sugarcane, aims to enhance the prosperity of sugarcane farmers. India already pays the highest price for sugarcane globally, and despite this, the government is committed to providing the world's most affordable sugar to domestic consumers. This decision is expected to benefit over 5 crore sugarcane farmers, along with numerous individuals involved in the sugar sector, reaffirming the government's commitment to doubling farmers' income as part of "Modi ki Guarantee."
Calculation and Assurance for Farmers
Under the approved FRP, sugar mills will pay ₹340/quintal for sugarcane with a recovery rate of 10.25%. Additional price adjustments will be made based on recovery rates, ensuring that for every 0.1% increase, farmers receive an extra ₹3.32, and a similar deduction applies for a reduction in recovery by 0.1%. The minimum price of sugarcane, set at ₹315.10/quintal for a recovery rate of 9.5%, provides assurance to farmers even in cases of lower sugar recovery.
Farmers Protest - Decade-Long Commitment to Farmers' Rightful Dues
Over the last decade, the Modi government has consistently prioritized ensuring that farmers receive the right price for their crops at the right time. Remarkably, 99.5% of cane dues from the previous sugar season 2022-23 and 99.9% of all other sugar seasons have already been paid to farmers, resulting in historically low cane arrears. The timely policy interventions have led to self-sustainability for sugar mills, with no financial assistance provided by the government since Sugar Season 2021-22. Despite this, the Central Government continues to assure "Assured FRP and Assured Procurement" of sugarcane for farmers.