Sugarcane farmers across Maharashtra have intensified their agitation for higher cane payments for the 2025-26 crushing season, citing a more than 40% rise in sugar prices in recent months. Farmer organisations argue that sugar mills are benefiting from higher realisations and should share the additional gains with growers.
Maharashtra, one of India’s leading sugar-producing state, has witnessed protests by farmers from several districts. Farmer groups, including the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, have submitted their demands to the state Sugar Commissionerate, seeking a substantial increase in the price paid for sugarcane.
At a recent protest outside the Sugar Commissioner’s Office at Sakar Sankul in Pune, farmers demanded that the cane price be raised to Rs 7,000 per tonne. They questioned why growers had not received a corresponding increase in payments despite the sharp rise in sugar prices.
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Farmers also demanded greater transparency in the sugar industry. They want sugar sale and purchase prices and other pricing details to be publicly disclosed so that growers can understand the actual value generated from their cane and determine whether they are receiving a fair share of the revenue.
The protesters said rising input costs, labour expenses and other agricultural expenditures have significantly increased the financial burden on farming households. They argued that higher sugar realisations should translate into better returns for farmers, who bear the risks associated with cultivation.
Farmers warned that the agitation could escalate if their demands are not addressed. They could consider stopping harvesting and supply of sugarcane, potentially affecting sugar mill operations across the state.
The protesters also demanded that future decisions on cane prices be taken in consultation with farmers’ committees. They said farmers should have a greater role in determining prices and ensuring transparency in the sugar value chain.
Farmers have further urged the Maharashtra government to frame policies that protect sugarcane growers amid changing sugar prices and concerns over imports. They warned that the agitation would be intensified if the demand for Rs 7,000 per tonne is not considered.