The “Sugar Bowl” of Haryana is witnessing a fresh wave of discontent as sugarcane growers demand a fair share of the profits amid soaring production costs.
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The Demand: A collective of farmer unions, representing thousands of growers in Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, and Ambala, formally submitted a memorandum to the district administration. Their primary demand is to raise the SAP from the current level (approx. ₹400) to ₹450 per quintal.
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Rising Input Costs: Farmers pointed out that the price of DAP fertilizer, electricity for tubewells, and specialized harvesting labor has seen a 15-20% increase over the last year. “At the current price, we are barely breaking even. If the government wants us to stay in farming, they must provide a rate that reflects the ground reality,” said a union leader.
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The Mill Context: The Saraswati Sugar Mill, which serves as the lifeline for the local economy, has started its preliminary operations. However, farmers warned that they would “chakka jam” (halt) the arrival of tractor-trolleys if a favorable decision is not reached within the next week.
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Government Stance: State agriculture officials mentioned that the SAP is currently under review by a high-level committee. They noted that Haryana already pays higher than neighboring Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, but a final call will be taken considering the recovery rate of sugar this season.
