DK Shivakumar’s major statement on the problems faced by sugarcane farmers
Bengaluru. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has given an important statement on the problems of sugarcane farmers and issues related to Minimum Support Price (MSP). He said that solving the problems of sugarcane farmers is not the responsibility of any one person, but for this all concerned parties including farmers, sugar mill operators and the government will have to come together. Speaking to the media near his residence in Sadashivnagar, Bengaluru on Tuesday, Shivakumar made it clear that the future of sugarcane farmers and sugar mills is linked to each other. Therefore, it is necessary to find a permanent solution to the problems keeping in mind the interests of both.
Need to work together on the problems of sugarcane farmers
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that collective efforts are necessary to solve the problems of sugarcane farmers.
He said, “Everyone should come together to solve the problems of sugarcane farmers—including the Minimum Support Price (MSP). It is not the responsibility of any one person, but of everyone. I do not want to put the entire burden on one person.”
It is clear from his statement that the state government is considering it important to have dialogue between all parties on issues related to sugarcane farmers and the sugar industry.
Shivakumar stressed that instead of putting the entire responsibility on any one party, everyone should participate in finding solutions.
The existence of farmers and sugar mills is linked to each other.
Referring to the economic relationship between sugarcane farmers and sugar mills, DK Shivakumar said that both are dependent on each other.
He said, “Only if farmers cultivate sugarcane, sugar mills will run. The mills will also have to crush sugarcane so that they do not suffer any loss. Only then will both survive.”
The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that farming by farmers and operation of sugar mills complement each other.
If farmers move away from sugarcane cultivation, mills may face shortage of raw materials.
At the same time, if the operation of mills is affected, farmers may face problems related to sale and payment of their produce.
It is necessary to discuss the problems of all parties
Shivakumar said that to understand the challenges related to the sugarcane industry, the problems of all concerned parties should be discussed.
He said, “This is a question related to everyone’s life. We should together discuss what problems are facing the farmers, sugar mills and the government.”
He said that along with understanding the problems of the farmers, it is also necessary to keep in mind the practical and economic challenges of the sugar mills.
Apart from this, the role and responsibilities of the government should also be considered.
Such discussions can help find a way forward that protects the interests of both farmers and the sugar industry.
Why is the issue of sugarcane price important?
The price of sugarcane is directly linked to the income of farmers.
In sugarcane cultivation, expenditure is incurred on irrigation, fertilizer, labour, transportation and other agricultural works.
It is important for the farmers to get such a price for their produce that they can cover the cost of farming and also get a fair income.
On the other hand, sugar mills have the responsibility of purchasing sugarcane, crushing it, paying employees and meeting the expenses related to production.
For this reason, the issue of pricing of sugarcane is considered important for both the farmers and the sugar industry.
Discussion regarding MSP and price of sugarcane
The issue of minimum support price has been raised in the context of sugarcane farmers. However, for the purchase of sugarcane, the Central Government sets a fair and remunerative price i.e. FRP instead of the normal MSP system.
In some states, additional price related arrangements are also implemented for farmers.
Therefore, in the discussion regarding sugarcane price, aspects like central price system, state level policies and paying capacity of mills are important.
Shivakumar has not announced any new rate, price increase or government decision in his statement.
He has emphasized on dialogue and shared responsibility between all parties.
Financial condition of sugar mills is also important
Along with the income of sugarcane farmers, the financial condition of sugar mills is also an important topic.
After purchasing sugarcane, sugar mills have to complete the process of crushing it and producing sugar.
During this period, electricity, machinery, transportation, employee salaries and other operating expenses come to the fore.
If the economic condition of the mills weakens, their operations may be affected.
At the same time, it is also important for farmers to get payment on time, so that they can prepare for the next crop.
For this reason, while solving the problems of the sugarcane sector, it is necessary to balance the economic needs of both the parties.
Question of farmers’ income and future of industry
Sugarcane cultivation is an important part of the agricultural economy in Karnataka.
Not only farmers, but also agricultural labourers, people involved in transport business and sugar industry employees are indirectly associated with sugarcane cultivation.
The operation of sugar mills supports employment and economic activities at the local level.
In such a situation, the impact of any kind of economic problem between sugarcane farmers and sugar mills can be wide-ranging.
Shivkumar drew attention towards this interdependence and said that this is a matter related to everyone’s life.
Emphasis on dialogue instead of unilateral decisions
The most important thing in the Deputy Chief Minister’s statement is the need for dialogue between all parties.