Sugarcane Control Order 2026 Sparks Concerns; Farmer Leaders Urge Jayant Chaudhary to Protect Kolhu and Khandsari Units

Concerns among farmer organisations and public representatives over the proposed Sugarcane (Control) Order, 2026 have intensified, with stakeholders warning that several provisions in the draft could adversely impact sugarcane farmers, kolhu-crusher operators and the traditional jaggery and khandsari industries.

Against this backdrop, farmer leaders, public representatives and stakeholders from the sugarcane sector met Jayant Chaudhary, president of Rashtriya Lok Dal and Union Minister, on Thursday to present their concerns and suggestions regarding the proposed order.

The draft order, proposed by the Union Food Ministry, seeks to replace the six-decade-old Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966. Key provisions include increasing the minimum distance between sugar mills from 15 km to 25 km, making Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) payments mandatory for khandsari units, bringing kolhus and crushers under a regulatory framework similar to sugar mills, and expanding the monopoly of sugar mills over cane reserve areas.

Stakeholders argued that these provisions could threaten the survival of the jaggery and khandsari industries, which play a crucial role in supporting the rural economy and generating local employment.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on issues related to sugarcane farmers, cane pricing, payment mechanisms, industry accountability and the practical implications of the proposed Sugarcane (Control) Order, 2026.

Prasann Chaudhary, Rashtriya Lok Dal MLA from Shamli, said the proposed provisions were against farmers’ interests and should not be implemented. Chhaprauli MLA Dr Ajay Kumar said the jaggery and khandsari sectors provide large-scale rural employment and warned that adverse regulations could hinder rural economic growth.

Former MLA Rao Waris objected to provisions that would prevent local jaggery and khandsari units from offering higher prices to sugarcane farmers than sugar mills. He termed the proposal anti-farmer. Kisan Trust chairman Dr Yashveer Singh said the proposed order contradicted the government’s stated objective of promoting micro and small industries.

Representatives of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Apolitical), including national spokesperson Dharmendra Malik and state youth president Digambar Singh, submitted suggestions and proposed amendments aimed at protecting the interests of sugarcane farmers and traditional crusher units.

Among the key demands raised were safeguarding kolhu and crusher units from excessive licensing and “inspector raj”, retaining state-level regulation of jaggery and khandsari industries, maintaining the existing distance norms between sugar mills, and creating real-time data systems for sugarcane payment tracking and dues. Dharmendra Malik also argued that revenues earned by sugar mills from by-products such as ethanol, electricity and press mud should be considered while determining sugarcane prices.

Farmer leaders strongly emphasised that kolhus and crushers are vital to the rural economy and should not be burdened with additional central regulations. They maintained that these small-scale industries are already regulated by state governments and should remain under state jurisdiction.

Leaders associated with the Rashtriya Lok Dal said the primary objective of the dialogue was to consult stakeholders on challenges facing the sugarcane economy and explore practical solutions in the interest of farmers.

Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary assured the delegation that all concerns and suggestions would be examined seriously and that necessary steps would be considered. The meeting focused on protecting farmers’ interests, strengthening the sugar industry and supporting the rural economy.