Indian Sugar News

Delhi air quality in ‘very poor’ category today with moderate fog

New Delhi, December 9, ANI: Delhiites on Monday morning woke up with air quality under ‘very poor’ category, while overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 355 with PM2.5 being the dominant pollutant, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

The moderate fog at isolated places in the national capital added to the woes for Delhites gasping for breath. Fog near the India Gate, Dhaula Kuan and National Highway 24 dipped the visibility to short-range, slowing down the speeding vehicles. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

At Ashok Vihar, the AQI was 391 at 7:30 am, same as in Jahangirpuri. While in Rohini it was430, near Pusa, it was 385. The AQI near Sirifort, Mundka and DTU stood at 375, 376 and 381 respectively.

SAFAR has advised ‘Sensitive Groups’ to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. People are advised to take more breaks and do less intense activities.
The asthmatics have been advised to keep medicines ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur.

“Heart patients, see the doctor, if get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue,” it stated in its advisory.

Delhi: Fire breaks out again at same Anaj Mandi building

New Delhi, Dec 9 (ANI): A fire broke out again on Monday morning in the same factory building where 43 people died after the structure got engulfed in a massive fire at Anaj Mandi on Rani Jhansi Road in North Delhi yesterday.
Soon after receiving the report about today’s firing, the four fire tenders rushed to the spot to douse the flames. This is the third incident of fire in three days at Anaj Mandi.

At least 43 people died after a massive fire broke out in a factory in Anaj Mandi area on Rani Jhansi Road here on Sunday morning, police said.

Around 62 people were taken out by fire tenders from the building that caught fire in the wee hours on Sunday. 34 dead were confirmed by the Lok Nayak Hospital and 9 by the Lady Hardinge Hospital, police said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident. Additional assistance of Rs 1 lakh had also been announced to those injured. The Delhi government has also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and sought a report within seven days.

Tamil Nadu: Sugarcane growers demand immediate disbursement of Rs 30 crore arrears

Thanjavur: Sugarcane growers who are also shareholders of Tamil Nadu Sugar Corporation walked out of the annual general meeting demanding immediate disbursement of Rs 30 crore pending cane arrears and payment of Rs 900 per tonne for the cane sent to the Arignar Anna Sugar Mill at Kurungulam, Thanjavur, during 2015-16 and 2016-17 as announced by the State government.

Citing that the delay in payments has increased their troubles, they said that the crushing should start by December 8. They also demanded that the millers should bear the cane cutting cost, assist farmers in getting loans. They also want the Corporation to clear the stocks available in their warehouses.

BSP MP urges government to help sugar mill in clearing old sugar stocks

Hapur: Kunwar Danish Ali, BSP MP representing Amroh-Gadhmukteshwar constituency has demanded the government to purchase the lat season’s 5.28 lakh quintal sugar stock of Simbhaoli sugar mill to help in paying sugarcane arrears around Rs 250 crore. The mill is unable to clear the stock as it is sitting with surplus sugar.

Ali said, “When farmers ask the mill to pay arrears, the mill administration cite sale quota restrictions. When I enquired, the mill administration stated that last year they had purchased sugarcane worth Rs 484.74 crore and have cleared dues around Rs 243.14 crore. Now the mill will clear arrears around Rs 250.59 crore after selling the available stock.”

The sugar mill management also said that if they get permission to sell 5.28 lakh quintals of old sugar stock, a payment of around Rs 175 crore can be made. MP urged the government to allow sugar mill to sell surplus sugar and said the government policy is affecting the farmers.

GST on sugar may hike as government looks to increase revenue

New Delhi: According to the media reports, the Central government is likely to increase the 5 per cent slab of Goods and Services Tax (GST) to 6 per cent to increase revenue. The steps are being taken to meet the growing revenue concern.

At present, the GST has four slabs of 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent and 28 per cent. The essential commodities like food items, footwear and basic clothing are included under 5 per cent GST slab. The monthly collection of GST is targeted at Rs 1.18 lakh crore. If the government gives the nod for GST hike, then it means GST on sugar will also hike.

The GST panel will be meeting on December 18 to examine the measures to increase revenue, including review of tax structure and other issues. The GST council has sought suggestions from all the states in this regard.

Uttar Pradesh announces sugarcane SAP; cane farmers’ hopes dashed

Lucknow: The state government has announced the cane price for the crushing season 2019-2020. There has been no increase in cane price for the second consecutive year.

In a circular issued by the cane development department, the state government announced SAP (State Advisory Price) of sugarcane at Rs 315 per quintal (for normal variety of sugarcane). Likewise, SAP for low and high grades cane price are at Rs 305 and Rs 325 per quintal, respectively.

Sugarcane growers in Uttar Pradesh claim that the cost of sugarcane production is increased; therefore, there is a need to hike cane price. They had demanded to fix the sugarcane price at Rs 400 per quintal.

In the month of July, Central government kept Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane unchanged at Rs 275 per quintal for 2019-20 crushing season for a basic recovery rate of 10 per cent as sugar mills in India claimed that they are finding it difficult to pay FRP of sugarcane as the average production cost of sugar is 35 to 36 rupees per kg as against the MSP of 31 rupees per kg.

Vivek M Pittie appointed as the new president of ISMA

New Delhi: The 85th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) held at Hotel Taj Mahal in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by the sugar industry stakeholders from all over the country, and it was chaired by Rohit Pawar, the president of ISMA.

Rohit Pawar’s term is over, so Vice President Vivek M Pittie has been appointed as the new President.

Pawar said, “Previous year’s review was taken, and future plans were discussed at the AGM. I took positive steps for the growth of the sugar industry in my tenure of presidentship. Being the youngest president of ISMA, I took various decisions for a better future of the industry. As per the association’s rulebook, the charge of presidentship and deputy presidentship was handed over to Vivek Pittie and Neeraj Shirgaonkar respectively. I am glad that I could learn many aspects of the industry during my tenure.”

Many government officials, industry stalwarts and experts were present during the meeting.

Industry Leaders Disappointed Over No Change In Interest Rates

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], Dec 5 (ANI): Divergent industry views emerged after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday kept repo rate unchanged at the current level of 5.15 per cent and lowered its GDP forecast to 5 per cent for the current financial year 2019-20.

“The decision to not lower interest rate has come as a surprise and a bit of a disappointment to the industry,” said Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director of Knight Frank India. “It would have provided a much-required reprieve to some ailing sectors like real estate and auto. The RBI has probably taken the cautious approach of wait and watch to see the effect of past rate cuts and also to assess the inflation trajectory,” he said.

FICCI President Sandip Somany said leaving the repo rate unchanged is contrary to what the industry body was expecting, given the weakening growth scenario in the economy.
“We note with concern that the transmission of the earlier policy rate cuts has not happened adequately, and are disappointed with the decision to not cut the repo rate as there is a need for continued action on the policy rate front. A reversal in the declining economic growth trajectory is clearly the need of the hour and all steps should be taken to bring about this change,” he said.

Amar Ambani, President and Head of Research at Yes Securities, said the pause on the rates is attributed to transient inflationary risks, though the central bank affirms that there is space for policy action.

“Given the growth-inflation dynamics, we still sense that RBI will deliver a rate cut of 25 basis points in February policy meeting given the widespread deceleration in the economy. Although the RBI is concerned about near-term inflation risks, higher rabi crop output will assuage the spike in food prices,” he said.

Kumaresh Ramakrishnan, Chief Investment Officer at PGIM India Mutual Fund, said the central bank has retained the accommodative stance, signalling that the rate cut cycle is not over. The status quo on rates appears to have been influenced by a change in inflation dynamics since the October policy.

However, Joseph Thomas, Head of Research at Emkay Wealth Management, said there are three reasons why there was actually no need for the RBI to cut the rates this time.
First, the retail inflation indicated by the consumer price index has shot up to 4.62 per cent, well above the RBI target ceiling of 4 per cent. Second, the rupee is weaker today than it was three months ago. A weaker rupee is akin to lower interest rates.

Third, the liquidity in inter-bank market and systemic liquidity are in surplus and there is sufficient liquidity to see the auctions go through smoothly. “The liquidity conditions ensure that rates, especially at the short end of the curve, remains low. This is what is actually achieved by a repo rate cut too.”

Rain likely in Punjab, Haryana on December 12: IMD

New Delhi, Dec 6 (ANI): Widespread rain and thunderstorms are likely in Punjab and Haryana on December 12 due to the prevalence of fresh active western disturbance over the Western Himalayas, predicted India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday.

IMD further stated in its All India Weather Bulletin that even Uttar Pradesh and the adjoining areas of north Madhya Pradesh and Bihar are likely to receive heavy rain due to the changing weather system of the northern part of India. The IMD further predicted that today heavy downpour is likely over South Coastal Tamil Nadu.

Dense fog is very likely in isolated pockets over Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, south Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

In Delhi today, there will be fog with the minimum and maximum temperature hovering around 8 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius.

Sanjivani sugar mill clears major portion of cane dues

Ponda: The farmers from Karnataka have decided to call off their protest after the Sanjivani sugar mill cleared major portion of cane arrears. However, the farmers will renew their agitation if the bills are not deposited in their bank accounts.

The farmers from Karnataka had opposed the Goa state government’s decision to send local sugarcane to Karnataka Sugar mills and threatened to block the trucks transporting cane from Goa to Karnataka. The farmers had demanded the mill to pay their dues before transporting cane to Goa.

Sanjivani sugar mill officials talking to one the leading news website said that 75 per cent of the amount totalling around Rs 1.4 crore of the dues has already been deposited in farmers respective bank accounts through RTGS.

The factory is facing financial trouble due to a lack of adequate supply of cane. The farmers and employees from the mill are against shutting it. The mill has registered a loss of Rs 101.22 crore due to unavailability of sugarcane and various reason. The government made sure that sugarcane produced by farmers will be bought at the market price. State chief minister Pramod Sawant had assured farmers that those who produce sugarcane this season would not incur any loss. The government will purchase their sugarcane and supply it to the sugar mills in other states, besides providing support price to these farmers.

Sugarcane transporters threaten strike over commission and rates

Kolhapur: Transporters and contractors involved in cane cutting and transportation have threatened to launch a strike from Saturday if their demand of hike in commission and rates are not accepted by the sugar mills. The decision was taken in a meeting held by transporters and cane cutters in Shirol.

They claim it is difficult for them to survive in the amount offered by sugar mills. Therefore they are demanding a higher price.

Nirmala Sitharaman invites suggestions on easing GST filing process

New Delhi, Dec 7 (ANI): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday invited those who are interested in providing suggestions on simplifying and easing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) filing process.

“A gentle reminder: Today, 7 December, all GST offices will be ready to receive suggestions on simplifying/easing the filing process. Invite those interested in providing suggestions to kindly approach the nearest office,” Sitharaman tweeted. The Central GST and State GST authorities have organised a nationwide GST stakeholder feedback on new GST return for getting an on-the-spot response to the new GST returns to be introduced from April 1, 2020.

The focus would be on assessing the ease of compliance and uploading of these new returns so that the trade does not face any difficulty when the returns are made legally mandatory.

These feedback sessions will be attended by all prominent chambers of commerce and industry and other organisations representing taxpayers and tax practitioners and compliance managers, the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

Now, the tax officers will assist tax-payers in trying out the new returns. This is the first time after the introduction of GST that taxpayer consultation is being done on such a large scale.

On November 16, Sitharaman had invited some GST taxpayer, chartered accountants and tax practitioners to assess first-hand response to the various GST returns especially the new returns.

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Uttarakhand to announce sugarcane price soon

Dehradun: Uttarakhand government informed that it has set up a committee to decide the State Advisory Price (SAP) for sugarcane for the ongoing crushing season. The state government is also likely to announce the price within a week.

Replying to the question asked by Congress members in the assembly, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Madan Kaushik said that the government would soon announce the price after the committee submits a report. When the opposition demanded a timeframe for an announcement, he said it would not take more than a week.

“We will make payments to the cane farmers based on SAP and not on FRP declared by the centre. We will also ensure that the increase in the recovery will not affect the cane producers,” he said.

Action to be taken against sugar mills crushing below their rated crushing capacity

Lucknow: Commissioner Cane and sugar Sri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy directed all the Nodal Officers, Deputy Cane Commissioners and District Cane Officers to review the crushing of sugar mills and directed the offices to take strict action against the sugar mills which are crushing less than 92% of their rated crushing capacity.

Giving information in this regard Sri Bhoosreddy said that at present the time for sowing of wheat and Rabi crop is going on, In such a situation, to make available the vacant fields to the farmers, It is necessary that all the sugar mills should work at their full capacity to crush as much sugar cane as possible so that the farmers can timely sow their Wheat and other Rabi crops in the vacant fields.

The cane commissioner has given directions to all the concerned officers to identify the sugar mills crushing less than 92% of their rated crushing capacity and take legal action against them after issuing notice in this regard.

Complete transparency in purchi issuance ensured through web portal ‘www.caneup.in’ and ‘e-Ganna’ mobile app

Lucknow : Instructions were given by Hon’ble Chief Minister Of the state Yogi Aditya Nath to make the system of cane purchi issuance transparent and to curb the cane mafia. In this regard the positive decisions taken by the Hon’ble Minister, Sugar Industry & cane Development Shri Suresh Rana in the interest of cane farmers, the Department of Cane Development adopted a new integrated system in the state with the aim of bringing complete transparency in cane supply and purchi Issuance system So that the expected results can be achieved.

Giving information in this regard, Commissioner, Cane & Sugar Shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy said, that the visit of Nodal Officers in their allotted Ranges after implementation of ERP System revealed that the transparency and accuracy in purchi issuance through ERP and information available through web portal ‘www.caneup.in’ and ‘e-Ganna’ mobile app are proving beneficial for the farmers. In their interaction with the the officers the farmer praised the purchi issuance system. The farmers told that now they do not have to go round the society offices and all the information is accessible to them sitting at home and they get information about the purchi on thier mobile before the time.

The farmers also told to the nodal officers that with the strengthening of the societies and administrative reforms in the purchie issuance system, now the cane farmers are able to devote all their time to their fields and the sugar mills are also now focusing on “Cane Management”. Due to the provision of weighing through Web portal, mobile app and SMS and improvement in purchie issuance work through societies, middleman are also curbed. This system, which is promoting the Digital promition Policy of the State Government, is being praised by the cane farmers on the social media platforms of the department and this system has also been appreciated by the public representatives related to the cane areas.
It was also told by the Commissioner that E.R.P. system has connected about 38.5 lakh cane supplier farmers to technology. It is evident from the fact that 98 lakh hits made by farmers to see their data on the website ‘www.caneup.in’ and about 6.50 lakh cane supplier farmer members have installed the ‘e-Ganna’ App in their mobiles.

Cane Commissioner has appealed to the Cane farmers for maximum use of ‘e-Ganna’ mobile app to take advantages of this ERP system. So that they can get the benefit of excellent digital services & with this integrated and transparent system of purchi issuance for supply their fresh cane to sugar mills in time and will get freedom from offices running to Offices.

Akhilesh Yadav slams Yogi government over sugarcane dues

Lucknow: Slamming the Uttar Pradesh government for not taking action against the defaulter sugar mills, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that the government’s policies are anti-farmer. There is a provision in the rule to take action against mills that fail to pay farmers bills within 14 days of cutting cane and release the money by charging interest on the pending bills. But the government has not taken action against any mill. Sugar mills in the state have not paid sugarcane farmers from last two years. The government only threatens action against mills and extends the deadline to act.

Speaking on State Advisory Price (SAP), Yadav said, “The crushing season has begun, but the government has not yet announced the SAP for sugarcane. During Samajwadi Party rule, we hiked SAP by over Rs 40 per quintal, and the rates were announced before commencing the season. The cane farmers have become impatient and may intensify their agitation against the government.”

Sugar lying unsold at Sanjivani mill’s godowns

Ponda: Sanjivani sugar mill is struggling to sell the last season’s sugar stock of 39,000 quintals. The sugar is lying unsold at its godowns.

According to the media reports, the mill has sought government approval to sell sugar at a lower rate than the MSP of Rs 31 per kg set by the central government.

The mill had in 2018-19 crushing season produced 41,000 quintals of sugar by crushing 52,838 tonnes of sugarcane. The Civil Supplies Department had purchased around 2,000 quintals of sugar and remaining 39,000 quintals of sugar is lying unsold in the godown.

Last year too, the mill also struggled to sell sugar produced in the 2017-18 season. The mill had then produced 58,336 quintals of sugar. The mill faced difficulty in storing sugar. Therefore, mill sold sugar at a lower rate of Rs 28 per kg as against the MSP of Rs 31 per kg with government approval.

Six FIRs registered against cane mafias and sugar mill management for illegal cane purchase

Lucknow: According to the instructions given by Hon’ble Chief Minister U.P. Yogi Adityanath for maintaining purity and transparency in cane weighment and to curb the cane mafia, the directions have been issued by Hon’ble Minister of Sugar Industry & Cane Development Department Shri Suresh Rana to curb the cane mafias and to stop underweighment at the cane purchasing centers.

Giving information in this regard, Commissioner cane and Sugar, Shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy told that for the current crushing season, authority have been granted for detailed inspection of cane purchasing centers, and fortnightly transfer of weighing clerks posted at the purchasing centers are being ensured on random basis by the computer through ERP System.

He also told that in the current crushing season 2019-20, 1433 inspections of cane purchasing centers were done by the department to check underweighment. During inspection 11 irregularities of serious nature and 107 of common nature were caught. Taking effective action, licenses of 16 weighing clerks have been suspended and legal action is being taken as per rules, and notices have been issued in 62 cases.

Shri Bhooreddy also informed that immediate action is being taken on getting information about the illegal purchase of cane being made by cane mafias and sugar mills, under which an FIR has been lodged under sections 420 and 120 (b) of the IPC against Chief Manager and Manager IT of sugar mill Belwara, being found involved in illegal cane purchase by sending fake SMS. Besides this in other 05 cases of illegal cane purchase FIR also been lodged against cane mafia, under relevant sections of IPC and the UP Sugarcane (Supply and Purchase Regulation Act, 1953) & Section 3/7 of the Essential Commodities Act.

Demand to take action against Iqbalpur sugar mill

Dehradun: Farmers are facing financial troubles as the Iqbalpur sugar mill is yet to pay their sugarcane arrears from the last two years. On Monday, Jhabrera MLA Deshraj Karnwal raised the problem of sugarcane farmers in front of Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and Secretary Sugarcane Development Harbans Singh Chugh.

He said that farmers agitated for the sugarcane arrears, but nothing worked in their favour. He has urged the CM to ensure early payment of cane growers and also asked to take strict action against sugar mill’s administration.

Farmers who gave sugarcane to Iqbalpur sugar mill are in big trouble. Despite agitation by the farmers many times, the mill failed to clear the cane dues. This has enraged the farmers, and they claim that both government and sugar mill is cheating them. Sugarcane farmers claim that their financial condition is worsening day-by-day as they have not received dues from mills. Farmers assert that they are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children.
After mill failed to pay arrears, the government started auctioning of the mill’s sugar but failed to attract the buyers due to stringent bidding rules.

Sugarcane farmers stage demonstration outside commissioner office

Amaravati: Sugarcane growers held demonstrations outside the sugarcane commissioner office in Tadepalli in Amaravati for their pending cane arrears from the last two years. The farmers have also demanded interest of 15 per cent on their pending arrears.

The farmers have also demanded Rs 4000 per ton of sugarcane for season 2019-20. They urged to revise the advisory price and pay additional Rs 500.

The farmers alleged that the government is not following the Sugarcane act 1964, which emphasises on clearing dues of sugarcane in stipulated 15 days.

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India has opportunity to export sugar from December to April

New Delhi: Sugar mills in India are eyeing to export sugar surplus in a bid to reduce the glut. They are contracting with buyers to commence the export. Domestic sugar prices have come under pressure. Abhinash Verma, Director General, ISMA believes the world prices should move up from the later part of November. In the next 4 to 5 months, it will be a good opportunity for India to export sugar.

Talking to a leading news channel, Verma said, “Now that Brazilian production is over, the world is looking at Indian sugar and therefore the world prices have to move to such a level to attract Indian sugar into the international market. I would believe that Indian has an opportunity to export sugar from hereon, from December to April. So we have almost 4-5 months period where the world will find Indian sugar attractive.”

As per trade and market sources, about 15 lakh tons of sugar have been contracted for exports, which includes contracts made with port based refiners by sugar mills. Major destinations for sugar exports are Iran, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, African countries etc.

Sugarcane harvester killed in road mishap in Maharashtra

Manmad: A cane harvester was killed, and seven others were injured when a truck carrying them overturned and plunged into 70 feet deep gorge at Chandeshwari ghat near Kasari in Nandgaon taluka on Friday night. The injured were immediately shifted to a Malegaon private hospital and are out of danger, said police. The incident has been registered with Nandgaon police station.

According to police, the truck was carrying cane harvesters from Dheku in Nandgaon taluka to Kadwa sugar mill in Dindori taluka for cane harvesting.

The deceased has been identified as Pralhad Chavan (30). Total of six men and two women were travelling in a truck along with 15 cattle. Three bulls and one cow were also killed in the mishap. The truck driver is absconding since the accident.

Recently seven cane harvesters lost their lives after and 15 others were injured in a road accident when a pick-up van fell off a bridge on Bori river near Vinchur village on Dhule-Solapur national highway at the wee hours on Saturday.

Maharashtra: Sugar millers pin hope on new government

Pune: After the new government formed in Maharashtra, the sugar millers from Western Maharashtra, the region that was severely hit due to floods pins hope for fiscal compensation over damaged cane crop in floods. In western Maharashtra, the sugar bowl of the state, the standing cane crops were submerged for more than 20 days due the heavy rainfall and floods, and the millers claim that the sugar recovery will decline substantially.

PG Medhe, a veteran sugar expert from Kolhapur, said, ” We want the government to compensate for the fall in sugar recovery.”
According to the millers, irrespective of the sugar recovery this year, factories make cane payment to sugarcane growers on the basis of the recovery in the previous year. So, they will end up paying a much higher price for lower recovery.

The millers are expecting positive steps from the new government that will boost the reeling sugar sector in Maharashtra. In state, many millers are affiliated to Congress and NCP, the parties that have formed government in the state with Shiv Sena.

The cane crushing operations for sugar season 2019-20 in Maharashtra had been delayed due to various factors. The 2019-20 season has already been delayed by a month because of floods and the Assembly elections and its results in the state.

In this season, sugar production in Maharashtra is likely to decline as the state had been impacted by flood and drought.

Uncertainty over sugarcane price: Farmers warn of statewide protest

Chandigarh: A week after the beginning of sugarcane crushing in Haryana, the sugarcane farmers are still awaiting for government to announce State Advisory Price (SAP). Cane growers claim that this will delay the disbursement from sugar mills.

Leaders of various farmer unions have threatened to launch a statewide agitation if the government further delays announcement and accused the government of turning a blind eye over the issue.

Sugarcane farmers are also demanding hike in cane price. Sugarcane farmers under the banner of Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) have set the deadline of December 30 for government to declare Rs 370 per quintal of sugarcane. If this demanded is not fulfilled then they warned to lock sugar mills in the state on January 5.

Government in Rajya Sabha: Sugar production in 2019-20 season estimated at 273 lakh tonnes

New Delhi: The government said on Friday in the Rajya Sabha, that India’s sugar production is estimated to decline by 18 per cent to 273 Lakh MT in the sugar season 2019-2020.

With the carryover stock of about 140 Lakh MT of last sugar season together with estimated production of 273 Lakh MT during current sugar season, the total availability of sugar in the country is estimated to be about 413 Lakh MT as against estimated domestic consumption of 260 Lakh MT. Thus, it is expected that there would not be any shortage of sugar in the country in near future. The decline in sugar production in sugar season 2019-20 in the state of Maharashtra is mainly due to low availability of cane following drought last year and heavy rainfall in this year. This information was given in a written reply by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Danve Raosaheb Dadarao in Rajya Sabha today.

During current sugar season 2019-20, sugar mills in some of the States, particularly Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka have started sugar production earlier than last year but the sugar production in the country is estimated to be about 273 Lakh MT, as against about 332 Lakh MT produced last year.

Danve Raosaheb Dadarao said, “In order to improve the liquidity of sugar mills to enable them to clear the cane dues of the farmers in time, the Government has already taken various measures for the current sugar season including creation of buffer stocks of 40 Lakh MT with interest subvention of about Rs 1674 Crore to be borne by Government, Maximum Admissible Export Quantity of 60 Lakh MT with financial assistance of about 6200 crore and also allowed production of ethanol from C-Hy or B-Hy molasses or sugarcane juice or sugar syrup or sugar for supply to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) under Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) Programme at remunerative prices.”

43 sugar mills commence cane crushing in Maharashtra

Pune: The cane crushing operations for sugar season 2019-20 in Maharashtra had been delayed due to various factors. The 2019-20 season has already been delayed by a month because of floods and the Assembly elections and its results in the state.

According to Maharashtra Sugar Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad, “As on 30th November 2019, 43 sugar mills (20 cooperative mills and 23 private mills) have commenced sugarcane crushing in the state and by crushing 9.04 LMT sugarcane produced 6.67 lakh quintals of sugar with a recovery rate of 7.38 per cent.”

Sugar mills in Maharashtra have officially kick-started sugarcane crushing season on November 22 after they got permission from state Governor BS Koshyari in the absence of a functional state government.

A total of 195 sugar mills participated in sugar season 2018-2019 and produced 107.19 lakh tonnes of sugar at a recovery rate of 11.26 per cent by crushing 951.79 lakh tonnes of sugarcane.

In this season, sugar production in Maharashtra is likely to decline as the state had been impacted by flood and drought

Haryana: Sugarcane farmers threaten to lock sugar mills

Yamunanagar: Not just Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, sugarcane farmers are also demanding hike in sugarcane price in Haryana too.
Sugarcane farmers under the banner of Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) have set the deadline of December 30 for government to declare Rs 370 per quintal of sugarcane. If this demanded is not fulfilled then they warned to lock sugar mills in the state on January 5.

Ratan Singh Devdhar, leader of BKS said that farmers would go against BJP if their demands are not met.

Rambir Singh Chauhan, another leader of BKS said, “We have given a deadline of December 10 to the government to fulfill our demand. From December 11 to 14, we will send a memorandum of our demands to all MLAs addressing Chief Minister. If the government does not act, we will burn the sugarcane crops outside the houses of these MLAs on December 20. Then we will give another deadline of December 30, and if demanded are not met then finally, on 5 January, we will stop the supply of sugarcane and lock all sugar mills.”

Unequal use of fertilizers and pesticides

New Delhi: Pesticide use depends on several factors like area under cultivation, type of crop, crop intensity, agro-climatic conditions, soil condition, pest situation etc. which can differ from State to State. Government of India is promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach through 35 Nos. of Central Integrated Pest Management Centres (CIPMCs) across the country by conducting of Farmers Field Schools (FFSs), 2 days & 5 days Human Resource Development programmes. These Central IPM centres educate the farmers about judicious use of chemical pesticides and recommend the use as per the directions prescribed on the label claim and leaflets.

Consumption of fertilisers depends on several factors like gross cropped area, availability of irrigation, cropping pattern, affordability etc. As against the all India per ha consumption of 133 kg during the year 2018-19, the consumption is comparatively higher in Telengana (245.29 kg/ha), Punjab (224.49 kg/ha) & Haryana (224.46 kg/ha) and on the lower side in Kerala (36.38 kg/ha), Rajasthan (60.753 kg/ha), Odisha (70.59 kg./ha), Jharkhand (59.70 kg/ha), Himachal Pradesh (63.32 kg/ha) etc. In some States like Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, a deviation from the ideal NPK ratio has been observed which may be attributed to specific local requirement as per the cropping pattern and soil health. However, Government of India is promoting soil test based Integrated Nutrient Management for balanced and judicious use of fertiliser through Soil Health Card Scheme since 2014-15. Soil Health Cards provide crop-wise recommendation on appropriate dosage of fertilisers to be applied.

This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Rajya Sabha yesterday.

Seven cane harvesters killed as van falls off bridge in Maharashtra’s Dhule

Dhule: In a tragic incident, seven cane harvesters lost their lives after and 15 others were injured in a road accident when a pick-up van fell off a bridge on Bori river near Vinchur village on Dhule-Solapur national highway at the wee hours on Saturday.

According to police officials, the driver lost control of the vehicle, and it fell off the bridge. The rescue operation was launched immediately, and the villagers and local authorities managed to save the lives of many from the river. Total of 7 persons were killed in the accident. All were taken to the local hospital for treatment.

All the deceased are cane harvesters. Police said, “The migrant labourers, hailing from Chhendwa district of Madhya Pradesh, were travelling to Osmanabad for the sugarcane harvest.”

The driver of the van, identified as Sagar Bharat Tambade, resident of Osmanabad, and his two helpers were absconding. A case of an accident was registered with Dhule taluka police.

Skymet predicts decrease in sugarcane acreage by 6 per cent

New Delhi, India December 2, 2019: Skymet Weather Services – India’s largest private weather monitoring and Agri-risk solutions company has released the third volume of the ‘Kharif Report’ for the year 2019. The report talks about the year’s Monsoon spread and its impact on the production of Kharif crops. It also does an analysis of impact of actual rainfall recorded in the Monsoon season and the forecast for the estimates, anticipating the changes that could possibly occur on the productivity and production side.

Monsoon patterns are witnessing both intra-seasonal and inter-seasonal extremes. If 2018 is compared which was a near-drought, with 2019 which ended with almost excess rainfall; extremes were also witnessed in June’19 that were highly deficit and a record-breaking surplus September’19. This makes reality of climate change glaring.

This Monsoon season, an initial prolonged dry spell in June and early July coupled with excess rain in second fortnight of August and throughout September was detrimental to both life and property. Even the withdrawal was delayed, and rains continued till the first week of October. There are 12 states (Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh) that experienced floods which lead to severe losses of life, crops and property. A total of 137 districts in these 12 states were affected and 45,14,475 hectares of land was inundated out of which 32,09,266 hectares was agricultural land.

Apart from the above 137 districts, there are several other districts that experienced high soil moisture for the entire month of September which caused heavy losses to the crop. If soil moisture is persistently above 50% in any region for a long period, then it signifies the presence of inundation and in such cases, crop loss is certain. There are a few pockets that remained rain deficient and losses to crops are witnessed here due to low soil moisture (than average). The withdrawal of Monsoon finally commenced from West Rajasthan on 9th October against the normal date of September 1, making it the most delayed withdrawal in the last 59 years (since 1961) and was gone in just eight days, making it the quickest in the history.

In this report, deep analysis of the impact of actual rainfall recorded between June 1 to October 31, 2019 have been exhibited and the anticipated the changes that could possibly occur on the productivity and production side. Through this analysis, Skymet has arrived at the outcome which indicates that amongst the major crops a decline of 6% has been reported in Sugarcane. Good rains recorded during the second fortnight of July and the first fortnight of August over most of the states have boosted the sowing and helped in covering the lag.

As per the report released by the Ministry of Agriculture on Crop wise Total Acreages as on September 27, 2019 Normal Area (lakh hectares) – 48.32 where in 2019 – 52.45 whereas in 2018 – 55.51 the deviation stands at – 6%.

The vagaries of Monsoon played havoc in the state as one part of the state i.e. Western Ma h a r a s h tr a (Kolhapur, Sangli,and Satara) witnessed massive floods and the other, Marathwada experienced patchy and uneven distribution of rainfall. Gadchiroli in Vidarbha region received excess rainfall while Yavatmal remained deficient. Districts of Marathawada such as Beed, Latur and Solapur of Western Maharashtra recorded deficient rainfall. Rainfall continued to lash the state in October as well. August and September recorded frequent rains at regular intervals that were in line with the crop requirement. After that, excess rains in October created flood-like situation in many parts of the state and damaged crops on over 4 lakh hectares in western and northern parts of the state. Sugarcane, Cotton, Paddy, Soybean, Tur and Groundnut were among the worst hit.

Downward revision in sugar production to support prices in near term: ICRA

New Delhi, Dec 2 (ANI): Investment information firm ICRA has said that domestic sugar production estimates for season year (SY2020) have been revised downwards by 7.8 per cent to 26 million tonnes from the earlier preliminary estimate of 28.2 million tonnes.

This along with the expected exports of 3.5 million tonnes (as against the government’s target of 6 million tonnes) in SY2020 is likely to improve the demand-supply situation in the domestic market, thus supporting the sugar prices in the near term. “We expect the closing sugar stocks for SY2020 at around 10 to 10.5 million tonnes post downward revision of the sugar production estimate as against 12 to 12.5 million tonnes earlier,” said Sabyasachi Majumdar, Senior Vice President and Group Head at ICRA Ratings.

“Hence, the domestic demand-supply situation will relatively be better, supporting the sugar prices in the near term, which are currently hovering around Rs 33 to 34 per kg.”

Further, the fair and remunerative price (FRP) is fixed at Rs 275 per quintal in SY2020 which is the same as that in the previous year. This non-increase in FRP sugarcane price is a saving grace for the sugar industry in the face of the supply-induced pressures, said Majumdar.

Government keeps sugarcane FRP unchanged

The production is likely to be lower by 21 per cent when compared to 32.9 million tonnes in SY2019.

While the cane availability in Maharashtra and Karnataka was adversely impacted due to drought last year, heavy rainfall and water logging during the current year (August to September 2019) have further adversely impacted the cane crop in a few regions of Maharashtra and north Karnataka.

In Maharashtra and Karnataka, the production is likely to decline by 42 per cent year-on-year and 28 per cent year-on-year to 6.2 million tonnes and 3.2 million tonnes respectively.
The production in Uttar Pradesh is likely to remain healthy at 12 million tonnes, largely similar to that of the previous year.

ICRA expects sugar consumption to increase to 26.7 million tonnes in SY2020 and the consumption is likely to marginally outstrip production by around 0.7 million tonnes.

Higher ethanol manufacture remains critically dependent upon the continuation of existing government support to the industry in the form of price support to ethanol, especially those manufactured from B molasses and sugarcane juice.

In this regard, the government has continued the remunerative prices for the ethanol produced from C-grade molasses, B-grade molasses and sugarcane juice for season 2019-20.
ICRA positively noted that several large sugar mills’ distillery capacities will become operational in SY2020 and SY2021.

“However, the recent increase in the molasses reserved quota for country liquor manufacturers to 18 per cent in SY2020 from 12.5 per cent in the last sugar season in Uttar Pradesh is likely to have marginal impact on the profitability of distillery segment of these sugar mills,” said Majumdar.

To stop burning of dry sugarcane leaves, Cane Department promotes Trash mulching in Ratoon management

Lucknow: Commissioner, Cane & Sugar shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy said, that burning of crop residue is a legal offense and provision has been made to impose penalty for burning stubble and crop residue. At present, pollution has become a terrible problem, which is having a bad effect on agricultural production as well as human life. It is very important to control it at various levels, so that its catastrophe can be avoided.

Cane commissioner, told that not only environmental pollution is increased by the burning of dry sugarcane leaves, soil fertility is also affected. So if proper management is done instead of burning crop residues, the soil gets back nutrients through crop residue. Cane farmers can get higher yields and additional income by trash mulching in their fields, this will also prevent environmental pollution.

Giving information about the use of trash mulcher, the Cane Commissioner told that sugarcane leaves are converted into small pieces through the trash mulcher. This device is very useful for ratoon management. Mulching of leaves between two rows under ratoon management is of great benefit as it keeps the moisture of the field safe and reduces weeds. Dry leaves used for trash mulching turn into compost after some time. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and organic matter are found in abundance in these leaves, which increase the fertility of soil and help in weed control and water saving. He informed that instructions have been issued to set up Farm Machinery Bank to promote mechanization in cane farming. Under which arrangements have been made for trash mulcher and ratoon management device.

Giving information about the damage, caused by burning crop residues, Cane Commissioner, shri Bhoosreddy told that on burning of crop residue, 400 kg of beneficial carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and sulfur per acre are destroyed because of burning essential nutrients. When the field is set on fire, the soil of the field burns in the same way as the brick in brick kiln. Increasing the temperature of the farm destroys the beneficial organisms found in it such as Rhizobium, Azetobacter, Azospirillum, Blue Green Algae and PSB bacteria besides this beneficial fungi, trichoderma, organic insecticide, Viberia bassiana, Vasylus thirungenesis and Earthworms called farmers friends are also destroyed by fire. Air is polluted by the carbon produced by burning crop residues, which has a bad effect on humans and animals.

Comprehensive Directions have issued In this regard to the departmental officials that arrangement of trash mulcher in each sugar mill area should be ensured with the cooperation of the sugar mill and the department. Farmers should be made more and more aware for Trash Mulching as well as the use of Trash Mulching and Rattoon Management Device (RMD) should be encouraged. For this, farmers should be informed not to burn dry sugarcane leaves promoting through the seminar / farmers fair, pamphlets, daily newspapers, wall painting, Doordarshan etc.

Sugarcane will be weighed in Goa before sending it to Karnataka

Ponda: The Goa government will weigh sugarcane produced by local farmers in the state before sending it to Karnataka for processing. Cooperation minister Govind Gaude said, “The government has agreed to weigh cane at Sanjivani sugar mill, preferably at the mill’s weighing bridge.”

Harshad Prabhudesai, vice-president of Goa Sugarcane Cultivators’ Association, said, “This will help farmers to get good returns as there are chances of cane being pilfered in transit.”

The Sanjivani sugar mill is facing financial trouble due to a lack of adequate supply of cane. The farmers and employees from the mill are against shutting it. The mill has registered a loss of Rs 101.22 crore due to unavailability of sugarcane and various reason. The government made sure that sugarcane produced by farmers will be bought at the market price. State chief minister Pramod Sawant had assured farmers that those who produce sugarcane this season would not incur any loss. The government will purchase their sugarcane and supply it to the sugar mills in other states, besides providing support price to these farmers.

Minister asks for special funds to strengthen and renovate sugar mills in Punjab

New Delhi: With the aim of to uplift sugarcane farmers, the Punjab government will be strengthening the sugarcane cultivation in the state. Punjab’s Cooperation Minister Sukhjinder Randhawa met the Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and discussed the same issue with him.

He has asked for special funds by the National Cooperative Development Corp (NCDC) to strengthen and renovate sugar mills in the state. The mills at Gurdaspur, Batala and Jalandhar will be upgraded as there is a tremendous potential of sugarcane cultivation in Doab region, he said.

Cane growers in Punjab warned of agitation in front of Buttar Sugar Mill on December 1 if sugarcane arrears are not paid before the deadline. Also, they are demanding to hike the State advised price (SAP) of sugarcane for a new season. They claim rate what they get for sugarcane is not sufficient.

Cabinet approves extension of jute packaging norms for foodgrains, sugar

New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has accorded its approval for mandatory packaging of foodgrains and sugar in jute material for the Jute Year 2019-20.

The Government has retained the scope of mandatory packaging norms under the Jute Packaging Material (JPM) Act, 1987 as per last year. The decision of the Cabinet mandates that 100% of the food grains and 20% of the sugar shall be mandatorily packed in diversified jute bags.

The decision to pack sugar in diversified jute bags will give an impetus to the diversification of the jute industry. Further, the decision also mandates that initially 10% of the indents of jute bags for packing foodgrains would be placed through reverse auction on the GeM portal. This will gradually usher in a regime of price discovery.

The approval will benefit farmers and workers located in the Eastern and North Eastern regions of the country particularly in the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya and Tripura.

Nearly 3.7 lakh workers and several lakh farm families are dependent for their livelihood on the jute sectors. The government has been making concerted efforts for the development of jute sector; increasing the quality and productivity of raw jute, diversification of jute sector and also boosting and sustaining demand for jute products.

The jute industry is predominantly dependent on Government sector which purchases jute bags of value of more than Rs. 7,500 crore every year for packing foodgrains. This is done in order to sustain the core demand for the jute sector and to support the livelihood of the workers and farmers dependent on the sector.

In order to improve the productivity and quality of raw jute through a carefully designed intervention, called the Jute ICARE, the Government has been supporting approximately two lakh jute farmers by disseminating improved agronomic practices such as line sowing using seed drills, weed management by using wheel-hoeing and nail-weeders, distribution of quality certified seeds and also providing microbial assisted retting. These interventions have resulted in enhancing the quality and productivity of raw jute and increasing income of jute farmers by Rs. 10,000 per hectare.

In this connection, to support jute farmers, a grant of subsidy of Rs. 100 crore for two years starting from 2018-19 has been approved to enable JCI to conduct MSP operations and ensure price stabilization in the jute sector.

With a view to support diversification of jute sector, the National Jute Board has collaborated with National Institute of Design and a Jute Design Cell has been opened at Gandhinagar. Further, promotion of Jute Geo Textiles and Agro-Textiles has been taken up with the State Governments particularly those in the North Eastern region and also with departments such as Ministry of Road Transport and Ministry of Water Resources.

With a view to boost demand in the jute sector, Government of India has imposed Definitive Anti-Dumping Duty on import of jute goods from Bangladesh and Nepal with effect from 5th January, 2017.

With a view to promoting transparency in jute sector, Jute SMART, an e-govt initiative was launched in December, 2016, providing an integrated platform for procurement of B-Twill sacking by Government agencies. Further, the JCI is transferring 100% funds to jute farmers online for jute procurement under MSP and commercial operations.

Man arrested for buying stolen sugar truck

Sonipat: Police have arrested a man for allegedly buying a sugar truck which was stolen. Accused has been identified as Gopal. After producing him in court, he was sent into three-day police custody. Police have already arrested five suspects in this case.

According to police, the truck was stolen on February 14. As per the complainant Rameshwar, he was carrying sugar-loaded truck from Bijnor to Narnaul when the gang attacked him and looted the truck. Police are investigating the case.

Maharashtra: 125 sugar mills get crushing license; 15 mills commence operations

Pune: Sugar mills in Maharashtra have officially kick-started sugarcane crushing season after they got permission from state Governor BS Koshyari in the absence of a functional state government.

Koshyari officially permitted mills to start the season on November 22. But sugar mills are commencing cane crushing at a very snail pace. Speaking with ChiniMandi News, Maharashtra Sugar Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad said, “In sugar season 2019-2020, 162 mills had applied for crushing license. Till date, 125 crushing licences have been issued. And 15 sugar mills have started their crushing operations.”

A total of 195 sugar mills participated in sugar season 2018-2019 and produced 107.19 lakh tonnes of sugar at a recovery rate of 11.26 per cent by crushing 951.79 lakh tonnes of sugarcane.

In this season, sugar production in Maharashtra is likely to decline as the state had been impacted by flood and drought. Flood in Pune, Sangli, Satara, Solapur and Kolhapur districts, the sugar belt of Maharashtra, have majorly hit the sugarcane crops. Also, farmers have uprooted sugarcane in the severely drought-affected regions of the state to feed their animals as other green fodders were not available. These factors will ultimately be going to impact sugarcane production in the state.

Most of the sugar mills in Kolhapur and Sangli region are yet to start crushing operations as farmers organisation Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghtana (SSS) warned them not to begin cane crushing till the final decision on cane pricing comes. SSS is firm on its demand of payment of a fair and remunerative price (FRP) in one instalment plus Rs 200 on per tonne of sugarcane, but sugar mills claim it is difficult to fulfil the same as the industry is suffering from sugar surplus and financial scarcity.

Saraswati sugar mill commences sugarcane crushing season

Yamunanagar: Sugar mills in Haryana commenced the crushing season. Giving relief to the cane farmers, the Saraswati Sugar Mill started crushing season setting the target of crushing 160 lakh quintals of cane this season.

Confirming the development, chief officer of mill S K Sachdeva stated, 25,000 farmers from Yamunanagar and neighbouring district supply cane to the mill.

“Mill is a lifeline for us as Yamunanagar is the hub of the sugarcane crop in the state and our livelihood depends on this,” said a farmer.

D P Singh, senior vice-president (cane) said, “Last year we had crushed 160 lakh quintal sugarcane. We have opened 42 purchase centres to buy sugarcane from farmers.”

Sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh seek relief package

Lucknow: Expecting excess sugar production following the bumper crop and existing surplus stocks, the UP Sugar Mills Association (UPSMA) have demanded the relief package from the state government. Sugar mills in the state are also against the increase in the state advisory price (SAP) of sugarcane for this season. According to the media reports, the state is likely to announce SAP in the next few days.

UPSMA made the government aware of the sugar industry’s grim situation in the state. In its latest letter written to the Chief Minister, UPSMA had demanded a subsidy/rebate of Rs 30 per quintal to bring the private mills’ cash flow at par with the 2018-19 crushing season.

The central government kept Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane unchanged at Rs 275 per quintal for 2019-20 crushing season for a basic recovery rate of 10 per cent, whereas the state had announced SAP of Rs 315 per quintal, which was Rs 40 per quintal higher than the FRP.

Sugar mills in India have been claiming they are finding it difficult to pay sugarcane price as the average production cost of sugar is higher as against the MSP of 31 rupees per kg, and due to which they are bearing looses.

Honey cubes can be added to tea instead of sugar sachets: Nitin Gadkari

New Delhi: The central government is planning to promote honey cubes replacing them as an alternative for sugar sachet. Union minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Lok Sabha about government’s plans to start honey cube production.

He said that the honey cubes are a healthier alternative and can be added to tea instead of sugar sachets. This will boost honey production and help tribals and others involved in honey production.

Andhra Pradesh government mulls to revive cooperative sugar mills

Chittoor: Andhra Pradesh government is mulling to revive ten cooperative sick sugar mills in the state, said Industries Minister M Goutham Reddy. The revival will be done in a phased manner.

Reddy informed that Renigunta Cooperative Sugar Factory will be revived in the first phase followed by Chittoor Cooperative Sugar factory, Reddy.

“The TDP government is responsible for the unfortunate situation of sugar mills in the state and revival plan of the defunct sugar mills is being done as per the promise made by Jagan Mohan Reddy,” he further added.

Govt. Fixes 21.50 LMT Monthly Sugar Quota for Sale in December 2019

ChiniMandi Delhi, 29th November 2019: In a notification issued on 29th day of November 2019, the food ministry has allocated 21.50 LMT monthly sugar quota for December to each of 535 mills in India along with added incentivized quota to those mills who have completed their export targets under MIEQ Quota. The allocated quota of December 2019 is 2 LMT higher than the preceding year’s December month quota that stood at 19.50 LMT.

The group sugar producing companies having more than one sugar producing units may maintain the stock as defined in Para (1) of this Order, either unit wise or for the group as a whole.

The sugar-mill wise Maximum quantity of white/refined sugar for domestic sale and dispatch during the month of December end notional stock for the month of October 2019 has been worked out on the basis of the following parameters:

The December, 2019 stock holding limit has been worked out on the basis of gibing 100% weightage to the month end notional stock for the month of November, 2019.

The notional month-end stock for the month of December 2019, has been worked out on the basis of month end stock for October, 2019 (as reported on P-II) adjusting the difference in the actual and the estimated production of October, 2019 (received from sugar mills) and subtracting actual release for November 2019.

Incentive in lieu of estimated sugar sacrificed for the month of November, 2019 (received from sugar mills) for producing ethanol from B heavy molasses/sugarcane juice/sugar syrup/sugar has been given for issuing stock holding limit Order for the month of December, 2019.

Show Cause Notices (SCNs) was issued to the sugar mills for violation of stock holding order for the month of July 2019. Except 3 sugar mills, replies to SCNs have been received from other sugar mills which are under examination. The excess quantity sold by the said 3 sugar mills have been deducted from the proposed allocation in the month of December 2019.

In the previous month the Govt. allocated 20.50 lakh MT monthly sugar quota in November 2019 to 535 mills in the country. Since the recent couple of days, the sugar millers continued witnessed scanty demand in the month of November. With the delayed monsoon the festive demand remained slow and was effecting the sugar consumption directly. With the schedule of majority of mills to commence crushing of sugarcane and the scanty demand situation already put up a tough time for the Indian Sugar Industry to reduce the stock piles after witnessing a “not so sweet Diwali” this year!

As per the sources in the market, the sugar industry is quite horrified with such excessive quota due which sugar millers are already anxious to reduce the stockpiles and increase the cash flow for the new ongoing sugar season. It is likely that stocks would start getting sold under the MSP of sugar to attain cash flows.

3 sugar mills face action for selling excessive sugar quota

New Delhi: The Central Government had reintroduced the Monthly Release Mechanism last year to control supply of sugar and ensure stability in pricing. The central government also fixed the minimum selling price (MSP) of sugar and instructed mills to adhere to the directive.

The notification passed on the 7th Day of June 2018 mentioned that any violation of the order would attract penal provisions under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 as amended from time to time.

The Department had been constantly auditing the sales of mills. Show Cause Notices (SCNs) was issued to the sugar mills for violation of stock holding order for the month of July 2019. Except 3 sugar mills, replies to SCNs have been received from other sugar mills which are under examination. The excess quantity sold by the said 3 sugar mills have been deducted from the proposed allocation in the month of December 2019.

State-wise monthly sugar quota for sale in December 2019

ChiniMandi Delhi, 29th November 2019: In a notification issued on 29th November 2019, the food ministry has allocated 21.5 LMT monthly sugar quota for December to each of 535 mills in India along with added incentivized quota to those mills who have completed their export targets under MIEQ Quota. The allocated quota of December 2019 is 2 LMT lower than the preceding year’s December month quota that stood at 19.50 LMT.

The Government has announced 21.5 LMT Monthly Sugar Quota for Sale in December which is 4.88% higher quota compared to the last month’s Sugar quota of November 2019 which stood at 20.5 LMT. The statewise quota for December 2019 is as follows: Andhra Pradesh 34476 MT, Bihar 63754 MT, Chhatisgarh 10349 MT, Goa 499 MT, Gujarat 41044 MT, Haryana 36635 MT, Karnataka 262246 MT, Madhya Pradesh 18341 MT, Maharashtra 648315 MT, Orissa 512 MT, Punjab 52930 MT, Rajasthan 1118 MT, Tamil Nadu 63044 MT, Telangana 4329 MT, Uttar Pradesh 875317 MT, Uttarakhand 37105 MT.

Now cane farmers will be connected through social media

Meerut: Joint cane commissioner V B Singh inaugurated the E ganna app and sugarcane web portal in a programme organized in Meerut and asked the millers to connect cane growers with social media pages including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. He also appealed farmers to get details on toll-free number 1800-121-3203.

“The millers should weigh the sugarcane crop of farmers as per the rule, and our officials will conduct surprise checks at the places where weighing is done and will initiate action if they found violating the rules,” he added.

Earlier, the Cane Commissioner Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy informed that to ensure transparency in fortnightly transfer of weighment clerks, a lottery system is implemented and video of the entire process will be uploaded on the ERP website and will be circulated on social media.

In the larger interest of sugarcane farmers, the Commissioner has intensified exercise to eradicate the evil of under-weighment from the beginning of the crushing season 2019-20. In case under-wayment will found the FIR will be lodged against sugar mill alongwith original equipment manufacturer of weighbridges.

Complete flood-affected cane crushing within three weeks: District collector

Kolhapur: District collector Daulat Desai has issued instructions to give priority to the flood-affected sugarcane and to complete cane crushing in the first three weeks as soon as the sugar season commences. He issued the instructions in a meeting called at district collectorate which was attended by the representatives of sugar mills and the representatives of farmers.

Flood in Pune, Sangli, Satara, Solapur and Kolhapur districts, the sugar belt of Maharashtra, have majorly hit the sugarcane crops, which will ultimately be going to impact the sugarcane production in Maharashtra.

Sugar mills in the state had been officially permitted to commence cane crushing from November 22. In this season, sugarcane production is likely to decline, which will also impact the sugar production.

Vidharbha will export sugar worth Rs 200 crores: Nitin Gadkari

Nagpur: Sugar mills from Vidharbha will be exporting sugar worth Rs 200 crore, said Union minister Nitin Gadkari. He was speaking at the concluding session of Agrovision in Nagpur.

“This is the great achievement as we are doing this when the sugar mills in western Maharashtra are facing financial crisis. The credit goes to the hardworking sugarcane farmers. There was a time when my sugar mill was under the financial crisis of Rs 400 crore, but now it has been cleared. The efficient management made it in profit” he said.

One killed, six injured in a blast in Maharashtra sugar mill

Aurangabad: A 65-year-old man was killed, and six others were injured after an explosion occurred at a turbine in a Laxmi Narsimha sugar factory at Singnapur in Parbhani district of Maharashtra on Sunday.

The incident occurred at 2 pm when the turbine carrying sugarcane sticks exploded while testing, said police. The deceased has been identified as Shaikh Yusuf.

Sugarcane Commissioner issues instructions to fix reflector on Cane transportation vehicles

Lucknow: Commissioner Cane and Sugar Shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy said that operation of sugar mills and the purchase of sugarcane is done in winter and during this time along with the cold, the dense fog often happens causing extremely low visibility of vehicles which leads to increase in the chances of accident on the road. Regular traffic vehicles on the road generally have arrangement of reflectors or yellow light for improvement of their visibility, but in case of bullock cart, trolley etc used by sugarcane farmers for transporting the cane often have no reflector / yellow bulbs. For these reason the cane transport vehicles like bullock cart, trolleys are poorly visible for vehicles running fast on road, so fixing of reflector strip / Paint / LED bulb on these vehicles will improve the visibility and reduce the possibilities of accidents.

In view of the above, instructions have been issued to all Deputy Cane Commissioners & District Cane Officers for launching a campaign at mill gate & Cane Purchasing Centers to setup reflector on Sugarcane transport vehicles. This work should be carried out, two to three times during current crushing season, so that, reflectors could be fixed on all cane transporting vehicles and Sugarcane farmers can safely transport their cane at mill gate and Cane purchasing centres.

Saraswati sugar mill to commence sugarcane crushing from November 26

Yamunanagar: Saraswati sugar mill in Haryana will commence cane crushing from November 26. The crushing will help around 25,000 farmers from the district who are awaiting to clear their fields to sow wheat for Rabi season.

The mill administration aims to crush 160 million quintal sugarcane. The sugarcane cultivation area has come down from 96,000 acres last year to 85,000 acres this year.

Sugarcane farmers claim sugarcane price what they get is not sufficient; therefore, they are demanding hike in sugarcane price. Bhartiya Kisan Union had earlier demanded to increase the cane purchase price to Rs 400 per quintal. But, yet the government has not taken any decision so far.

The rate of an early variety of cane was Rs 340 per quintal in Haryana last year. The price of mid-variety was Rs 335, and the rate of late variety was Rs 330 per quintal.

DP Singh, senior vice-president (cane) of Saraswati Sugar Mill said that mill planned to start crushing operation in on November 26.

Sugar mills get relief till December 15

Pune: Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leader Raju Shetti has set a deadline to millers to pay pending cane arrears as per FRP by December 15. He announced his stand in a sugarcane conference organised in Jaysingpur on November 23.

Reiterating his stand on FRP, he said, “The millers should pay additional Rs 200 per tonne along with FRP, and we will not let mills to start crushing till our demands are not met. We want the millers to take crushing of cane that was damaged during the recent floods first before crushing the standing good cane crop.”

Sugar mill in Punjab get December 1 deadline

Jalandhar: Like Uttar Pradesh, sugarcane arrears has remained a big issue in Punjab too. Therefore sugarcane farmers have decided to launch the demonstration. Sugarcane farmers under the banner of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee will launch an agitation in front of Buttar Sugar Mill on December 1 if sugarcane arrears are not before the deadline. Cane growers also alleged that they have barred from giving sugarcane to local sugar mills.

Farmers are also protesting against filing FIR over burning stubble and harassment by arhtiyas. Cane growers said if their demands were still not met, they would hold a state-wide chakka jam on railway tracks on December 3.

Satnam Singh Pannu, leader of the organisation, said, “We will launch massive agitation if the government fails to pay pending cane arrears”.

Also, sugarcane farmers in the state demanding to hike the State advised price (SAP) of sugarcane for a new season. They claim rate what they get for sugarcane is not sufficient.

India’s National Sugar Institute to play a dominant role in development and diversification of Egypt’s sugar industry

In pursuit of making its presence felt globally, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur has marched one step further. During the his visit to Egypt, Director, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur signed a MoU between the Institute and Faculty of Sugar & Integrated Industries Technology, Assiut University, Egypt.

As regards Assiut University, it is the fourth biggest university of the Egypt in which about 84,000 students are studying at present. As per the terms and conditions of the MoU, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur in association with Assiut University shall organize “Refresher Courses” and “Customized Training Programmes” for the in-service technical personnel of the sugar factories in Egypt to enhance their knowledge in the areas of newer developments in sugar processing and also about the standard operating procedures to be adopted for enhancing efficiency. Side by side, the two institutes shall also work on development of newer techniques for processing and also value added products so as to enhance the revenue earnings of the sugar factories. Felicitating Prof. Mohan on this occasion, Prof. Tarek Abdalla El-Gammal, President, Assiut University expressed his confidence that such association with National Sugar Institute, Kanpur shall go a long way in meeting requirements of the technical manpower required for Egyptian sugar industry and also in enhancing much required technical efficiency of the sugar plants.

In conversation with ChiniMandi News, Prof. Narendra Mohan, Director, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur informed abpout this association. He said, “In Egypt, sugar is produced both from sugarcane and sugarbeet however, due to various reasons, the cost of sugar produced from sugarcane remains higher by around 20% from sugar beet and thus cane sugar factories are in trouble. The situation can be improved by enhancing the technical efficiencies of the cane sugar units and also by enhancing income through utilization of by-products in a better manner. The potential of by-product utilization is much wanted which is matter of serious concern. At present, Egypt produces sugar about 2/3rd of its annual consumption and imports about 1.0 million tonnes to meet requirements, hence there is greater scope for expansion & modernization of sugar industry in Egypt.

With signing of this MoU, National Sugar Institute may play a dominant role in the development and diversification of the sugar industry in Egypt, opined Prof. Mohan.

On this occasion, he also addressed the delegates of sugar factories from Egypt, staff and students of Assiut University on the topic, “Sugar Industry- Sugar & beyond” where he stressed upon production of multi-value added products in a sugar factory for economic sustainability.

Kolhapur district collector calls meeting of sugar millers and sugarcane farmers

Kolhapur: Kolhapur district collector Daulat Desai has called a meeting of sugar millers and cane growers representatives in Kolhapur on Monday to resolve the deadlock between farmers and millers regarding the sugarcane purchase price. Also, the main agenda of the meeting is the smooth cane crushing season.

Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) has been demanding payment of the fair and remunerative price (FRP) in one instalment.
All the farmers’ organisations, including SSS, have warned sugar mills not to start crushing season till they declare the cane purchase rate.

The SSS will declare cane purchase rate in its conference today at Jaysingpur in Kolhapur district.

Recently, sugarcane farmers’ agitation for cane price had turned violent as they have started setting fire to the tractors carrying a cane to the mills for crushing and also punctured the tyres of it. The heat of the agitation was felt at Shirol and Hatkanangle talukas of Kolhapur district.

MPCP finds sugar, textile industries as most polluting

Mumbai: The data published by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) states that the sugar and textile mills are found as most polluting. MPCB’s star rating programme for industries has found 43 sugar industries and distilleries under “two star” and “one star” categories.

The star system indicates the intensity of pollution. One star indicates non-compliance, and five stars indicate compliance. The industries related to metal and chemical have been also found to be polluting in the state.

According to the news reports, the MPCB’s star rating programme for industries has found about 67 per cent of textile industries to be polluting. The state government is working towards many initiatives to combat industrial pollution.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath warns sugar mills

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath assured sugarcane farmers that they would get their pending arrears even if the state has to auction off defaulter mills.

He was speaking while addressing a public rally while inaugurating the Munderwa sugar mill in Basti district. The state government has ensured the payment of Rs 76,000 crore of cane farmers in last two years, he said.

According to the reports, the mills in the state owe arrears around Rs 3,600 crore. Issuing warning against the defaulter sugar mills, UP government had set a deadline of October 31 to pay all the arrears of sugarcane farmers. But mills failed to pay the dues. Commissioner, Sugar and Cane, Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy issued a stern direction to sugar mills to clear all cane dues before starting the crushing season.

Scrap aerial distance norm between sugar mills: Maharashtra farmer leaders

Pune: The farmers’ group have demanded that the government should scrap the mechanism of Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane and remove the minimum aerial distance norm of 25 km between two sugar mills to encourage competition. The farmers’ leaders put forward their demands in a meeting at Pune called by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

The radial distance provision bans the setting up of a new sugar mill within a radius of 25 km of an existing mill. The farmers are left with no choice but to send cane to the nearby mill and get bills fixed by the mill.

The CACP had called the meeting to discuss the FRP for cane for the year 2020-21.

Farmer leaders Raju Shetti, Raghunath Patil, Anil Ghanwat, were present in the meeting. They said that FRP what sugarcane farmers is not sufficient and recommended to hike it considering many factors such as prices of fertilisers, electricity and labour.

Sugarcane farmers should take advantage of competition between sugar mills: Raju Shetti

Ajara: In this crushing season, the sugar mills will face tough competition due to availability of less sugarcane following floods and farmers should take advantage of this and make a profit, said former MP and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leader Raju Shetti. He was speaking at a meeting of farmers organised in Ajara as a part of the preparation of sugarcane conference scheduled on November 23 at Jaysingpur in Kolhapur district.

“The cane crop is severely damaged during floods. The mills are facing sugarcane scarcity for crushing, and we should try to get a maximum rate for our produce. We will announce cane purchase rate in our convention on November 23 and will not allow the mills to function till they accept our demand,” he said.

Flood in Pune, Sangli, Satara, Solapur and Kolhapur districts, the sugar belt of Maharashtra, have majorly hit the sugarcane crops, which will ultimately be going to impact the sugarcane production in Maharashtra. Also, farmers have uprooted sugarcane in the severely drought-affected regions of the state to feed their animals as other green fodders were not available. It will also likely to impact sugar output in Maharashtra.

Cane crushing license of 14 sugar mills pending

Kolhapur: Sugar mills in Maharashtra will commence sugarcane crushing season from November 22, but still many sugar mills in the state have not received the crushing license. According to the reports, 14 sugar mills from Kolhapur and Sangli districts have yet not received the license for several reasons, including non-payment of FRP to the farmers. The Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) has appealed farmers to not to send cane to such mills for crushing.

The SSS has asked the millers to not to take up crushing before the organisation declares the cane purchase rate in its conference scheduled on November 23.

Yesterday, sugarcane farmers’ agitation for cane price has turned violent as they have started setting fire to the tractors carrying a cane to the mills for crushing and also punctured the tyres of it. The heat of the agitation is felt at Shirol and Hatkanangle talukas of Kolhapur district.

A total of 195 sugar mills participated in sugar season 2018-2019. According to the Sugar Commissionerate report, the factories crushed 951.79 lakh tonnes of sugarcane to produce 107.19 lakh tonnes of sugar at a recovery rate of 11.26 per cent.

“This move to reduce the sugar mills’ stock piles & augment the financial conditions” : M.D. – NFCSF

With a view to increasing blending of ethanol and reducing the import bills of crude, the Government has taken multiple steps including promotion of ethanol production from molasses/sugarcane juice/sugar syrup/ distilleries producing ethanol from damaged food grains such as broken rice, wheat etc. which is unfit for human consumption. Recently, the Government also agreed to produce ethanol from the old sugar stocks piled with sugar mills.

In conversation with ChiniMandi.com, Mr.Prakash Naiknavare – Managing Director – National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd. expressed his views on this move. He said, “This step will have triple benefit viz. getting rid of old sugar stocks, making more ethanol to supply to OMCs @ Rs.59.48/litre.”

“This will not only augment the financial conditions of the ailing sugar industry which have invested in boosting up the ethanol capacities but will also optimize the ethanol production capacities of their mills/distilleries which today is expected to give better returns than that from sugar. And therefore, millers should make the most of this step and make the most of benefits” He added.

It is to be noted that the Government recently approved fixing higher ethanol price derived from different raw materials under the EBP Programme for the forthcoming season 2019-20 during ethanol supply year from 1st December 2019 to 30th November 2020 where the prices of ethanol from C heavy molasses route was increased from Rs.43.46/litre to Rs.43.75 per litre, the price of ethanol from B heavy molasses route was increased from Rs.52.43/litre to Rs.54.27/litre, the price of ethanol from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup route was fixed at Rs.59.48 per/litre, additionally, GST and transportation charges were approved to be payable and the rate for ethanol derived from damaged food grains unfit for human consumption is fixed at Rs.47.63/litre.

The Central Govt. has the vision to achieve 20% ethanol with petrol by 2030 and is moving in the same direction. Where ethanol provides an additional revenue stream for the sugar companies, besides sugar and bagasse-based power experts believe the production and optimization of ethanol will definitely aid sugar mills to become financially, however it in now onus on the sugar industry to step up and supply the required quantity.

Per capita sugar consumption in India reduced by 2 kg

Mumbai: The per capita sugar consumption in India has lowered by 2 kg and this changing pattern of consumption is one of the primary reason for the sugar glut, say officials from the sugar sector. As per the statistics released by the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories, the sugar consumption in the country has reduced from 20.5 kg in 2014-15 to 18.5 kg in 2017-18. The country produced 32 million tonnes of sugar in 2017-18 and consumed 25 million tonnes.

The Food Safety and Standard Authority of India wants all the packaged foods have details about fat, sugar, and salt, but the sugar industry bodies are opposing it.

Many countries, like the United Kingdom, Thailand, France, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, and as well some US states, have introduced a tax on sugary drinks over the past few years to low down sugar consum

Sugarcane farmers agitation for cane price turns violent

Kolhapur: Sugarcane farmers’ agitation for cane price has turned violent as they have started setting fire to the tractors carrying a cane to the mills for crushing and also punctured the tyres of it. The heat of the agitation is felt at Shirol and Hatkanangle talukas of Kolhapur district.

The head of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) and former MP Raju Shetti has been demanding higher Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) from the sugar mills.

SSS has ensured that the mills don’t operate before the convention. Sanghatana will organise its sugarcane convention on November 23 at Jaysingpur in Kolhapur district, where it is expected the Shetti may speak on sugarcane price.

The farmers stated that the stand of millers from Karnataka are responsible for the violence. The tractors that were carrying sugarcane to the sugar mills in Karnataka were targeted by the agitating farmers.

In the month of July, Central government kept FRP of sugarcane unchanged at Rs 275 per quintal for a basic recovery rate of 10 per cent as sugar mills in India claimed that they are finding it difficult to pay FRP of sugarcane as the average production cost of sugar is 35 to 36 rupees per kg as against the MSP of sugar 31 rupees per kg.

CPCB takes stern action against 27 sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh

New Delhi: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has taken strict action against 27 sugar mills from UP for flouting effluent discharge norms. According to the news agency PTI, the CPCB has slapped a fine more than Rs 3 crore on them for discharging untreated effluent outside their premises.

The action has been taken against them under the Environmental (Protection) Rules, 1986. CPCB chairman S P S Parihar as given them a deadline of 15 days to deposit the amount.

The sugar manufacturing operations of these mills were shut down. The CPCB has asked them to obtain valid permissions before starting the operation.

During the investigation, some mills were found to be discharging sewerage effluent outside the premises, and some were found discharging molasses into nearby rivers in the state.

Sugar industry needs to focus on by-products other than sugar: Vijay Paul Sharma

Pune: “The sugarcane sector plays a major role in strengthening the rural economy, and the government promotes the industry. Now instead of focussing on sugar, the sector must focus on the production of by-products to come out of the financial crisis,” said Vijay Paul Sharma, chairman of Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

He was speaking at the 44th anniversary of Vasantdada Sugar Institute.

“I request the millers to work with the true farmers and address their issues. Take efforts to solve their problems. The central government is providing assistance to strengthen the sector, but farmers will also have to change the cropping pattern and use modern technology to improve yield,” he said.

Demand to fill post of sugar department’s Regional Joint Director

Kolhapur: MP Dhairyasheel Mane has demanded that the government should fill the vacant post of sugar department’s Regional Joint Director(Kolhapur) immediately.

He has requested the Secretary of the Department of Cooperation, Marketing and Textiles of the state to immediately appoint an officer to the post of Regional Joint Director.

In an application, Mane said, “There are 38 sugar mills in Kolhapur division, and the sugar commissionerate takes details about the cane crushing of these mills on a daily basis. There are other works as well the department is involved. Therefore the government should fill the vacant post so that the department can function with full efficiency.”

Sugarcane farmers express their grievances to CACP

Pune: Sugarcane farmers expressed their grievances and problems they are facing while cultivating sugarcane to the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices on Tuesday. They met the CACP members who had come to VSI, Manjari to discuss over FRP issue for the season 2020-21.

Highlighting farmers’ plight, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leader Raju Shetti said, “Government is following the wrong method for fixing FRP for sugarcane. The cost of fertilizers, labour, power has been increased, which does not reflect in the FRP. The prices of sugar have been increased by Rs 200, but the FRP remains the same.”

Vijay Paul Sharma, president of CACP said, “The sugar sector is facing a tough time, and we have to find out solutions to overcome this. Sugar industry needs to find a solution other than sugar production to sustain, which will aid the financial growth of sugarcane farmers and sugar mills.”

Satellites to assess pollution status

New Delhi: The Imager payload on-board ISRO’s INSAT-3D & 3DR satellites is used to monitor Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), which is indicator of particles and smoke from biomass burning affecting visibility and increase of PM2.5 and PM10 concentration in the atmosphere. It is found that AOD, PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations are higher over Indo-Gangetic Plain covering parts of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during October and November. High concentration of these pollutants is seen originating from parts of Punjab and Haryana during stubble burning.

Climatological study of satellite based fire occurrences and associated pollutant parameters reveal that fire occurrences increased by 4% over Punjab and Haryana region during October- November between 2003 and 2017. The model based analysis suggests that there is a high probability of transportation of smoke aerosols from Punjab & Haryana, towards down-wind regions of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

INSAT 3D & 3DR Imager based AOD, PM2.5 and PM10 spatial maps are made available on web portals viz. airquality.iirs.gov.in and www.mosdac.gov.inalong with other ancillary parameters for visualization. Using medium resolution Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite data, stubble burned area maps are generated at the end of stubble burning activity in Kharif season.

ISRO has been carrying out monitoring of stubble burning since 2015. The products generated are comparable to the NASA products.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

Three sugar mills will reopen in Andhra Pradesh

Vijaywada: The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to restart three sugar mills at Anakapalli (Visakhapatnam), Chennur (Kadapa) and Gajulamandyam (Chittor). The government is planning to introduce the latest technology in another four mills.

The decision was taken in a review meeting conducted by chief minster Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday. He asked the officials to take steps to clear the dues of the farmers. He also asked them to prepare an action plan to restore the past glory of the sugar mills in the state.

Reddy has asked the officials to revive the sector and ensure that the cane cultivation increases in the state.

Sugar production down by 64 per cent till November 15

New Delhi: According to the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), in new sugar season 2019-20 as on 15th November 2019, 100 sugar mills were crushing sugarcane, as compared to 310 sugar mills last year on 15th November 2018.

During the current 2019-20 SS, sugar production as on 15th November 2019 was 4.85 lakh tons, as compared to 13.38 lakh tons produced as on 15th November, 2018 in 2018-19 SS. New-season witnessed the downfall of 64 per cent in sugar production.

The reason for lower sugar production as compared to last season is that sugar mills in Maharashtra have not yet started their crushing operation this season, as compared to 149 mills which were already operating last year during this period, and had produced 6.31 lakh tons till 15th November 2018.

Similarly in Karnataka, 18 sugar mills were in operation as on 15th November 2019 and have produced 1.43 lakh tons, as compared to 53 mills which were operating had produced 3.60 lakh tons last year upto the corresponding date.

The States of Maharashtra and Karnataka have faced drought last year, because of which the area planted under sugarcane therein has dropped by about 30% as compared to last season. With lower rainfall and water availability, the yields and recoveries would also be lower. Plus the recent floods and extra rainfall have affected the crop further. The Government of Maharashtra has now decided to start the crushing of cane by the mills therein from 22nd November 2019.

In Uttar Pradesh, 69 sugar mills have started their crushing operations for this season and they have produced 2.93 lakh tons of sugar by 15th November 2019. Last year in the same period, similar number of mills were in operation but they had produced 1.76 lakh tons till 15th November 2018.

There were 2 mills each in Uttarakhand, Bihar, 1 in Haryana, 3 in Gujarat and 5 mills in Tamil Nadu have commenced crushing operations and they have together produced 49,000 tons of sugar till 15th November, 2019.

28 sugar mills commence cane crushing; produced 1.25 lakh tons sugar

As per trade and port information, about 2 lakh tons of sugar have already been shipped out for exports. From market sources and information from sugar mills, it is learnt that contracts for another 12 lakh tons have been signed by the parties for exports.

Contractual worker booked for misappropriation of sugar mill’s money

Pilibhit: Sungarhi police have booked a contractual worker of LH Sugar Mill from Pilibhit city for allegedly misappropriating mill’s money to the tune of Rs 84,4640.

Govind Sharma, assistant cane manager of the mill, lodged complaint in this regard. As per the complainant, suspect identified as Prabhakar Mishra, resident of Kaimhara village of Lakhimpur Kheri district was engaged on the contract basis of selling agricultural inputs to farmers at subsidized rates. The mill management had supplied him agricultural inputs worth Rs 21 lakh.

After sale, Mishra allegedly deposited Rs 43,100 with the mill. Some farmers opted to get the input with price deducting from their cane price and Rs 9,96,380 was registered with the mill as a deduction from farmers. The remaining Rs 8,44,640 owed to the mill was taken by Mishra who is absconding. He has been booked under section 406 (criminal breach of trust) of IPC

Truck carrying sugar overturns on Express Way, locals gather to loot

Kanpur: A truck driver carrying sugar from Hardoi sugar mill to Rajasthan lost his control and the truck overturned at Bhikampur Sahani village on Agra-Lucknow Express Way.

However, the mishap turned into a bizarre incident after scores of locals allegedly looted sugar from the mangled truck.

The driver and helper got injured in the incident and were taken at the primary health centre for treatment. The traffic on the highway was disrupted for more than 3 hours. The sacks containing sugar were spilled on the road, and the villagers rushed to the spot to and looted as much sugar as they can. The truck was carrying 700 sacks, and as many as 50 sacks were missing. Police is a further investigation about the case.

Someshwar sugar mill plans to purchase Sakharwadi sugar mill

Pune: Former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has stated that there is a plan to purchase Sakharwadi sugar mill in Satara district to start new branch of Someshwar sugar mill and if this will not work, then will think to expand the capacity of Someshwar sugar mill.

He was speaking to farmers while inaugurating the sugarcane crushing season of the Someshwar mill.

“We will take help of Ramraje Naik-Nimbalkar and others for acquiring Sakharwadi sugar mill and to make the second unit of the mill. We will take the alternate route of expanding our mill if this will not work. We should now emphasize on production and export of raw sugar and ethanol production from B heavy Molasses,” he said.

“The farmers have suffered heavy losses due to heavy rainfall this year, and the assistance of Rs 8,000 per hectare declared by the government is not sufficient. The central government should provide assistance to the farmers, and we will meet the governor to put forward our demands to the central government,” Pawar further added.

Bijnor sugar mill not to produce raw sugar

Bijnor: The Bijnor sugar mill has decided not to produce raw sugar this year. The mill is unable to pay last year’s sugarcane dues as the mill’s subsidy amount is pending with the government. Mill claims that the government is not responding to the reminder letters sent to the government.

According to the reports published in Amar Ujala, sugar mills in the district produced around 9 lakh quintals raw sugar and exported to foreign countries. The Bijnor sugar mill also produced about four lakh quintals raw sugar. It was exported at the rate of Rs 2200 per quintal. A subsidy of Rs 1100 per quintal of sugar was to be given by the central government. But the Bijnor sugar mill has not yet received the subsidy.

The government has not yet paid the Rs 30 crore to the sugar mill, following which factory failed to clear sugarcane dues. If instead of making raw sugar, the mill produces regular sugar, it is easier to sell it, which will aid mill in clearing the cane arrears.

“Ban on sugary drinks will have negative effect on Jamaican sugar industry”

The local sugar industry in Jamaica is facing trouble. Lenworth Fulton, President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), said, “The sector is facing troubles. There were 140 sugar mills in 1940 and the number was reduced to 15 in 1980s. Now we have only 3 mills”.

“The recent ban on the sugary drinks in the schools will again have a negative effect on the sugar industry. We agree that sugar is bad for health but banning is not a solution,” he said.

We will continue to find ways to improve sugarcane production in Jamaica, he said.

Strict action to be taken against sugar mills if found involved in malpractices

Lucknow: Sugarcane farmers in Uttar Pradesh claim fraud in the cane supply system; therefore, the state administration is taking various measures to eliminate malpractices.

In order to provide transparent convenient and reliable sugarcane supply system to farmers, the Commissioner Cane and Sugar, Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy, exercising the powers conferred upon him under Rule-19 and 29 of the U.P. Sugarcane (Supply and Purchase Regulation ) Rules, 1954, has given powers of inspection of the cane purchase centres for crushing season 2019-20 to various hon’ble public representatives, regional and head quarter officials, chairmen and vice chairmen of Cane Development Societies etc. All the inspection authorities will have the right of inspection of weighment process, checking weighing scales, weights and slips on which cane weight and price is recorded.

In order of power given by commissioner, Cane and Sugar the inspecting authorities will able to inspect the cane purchasing centres being run by their regional sugar mills. This, on the one hand, will be effective in resolving the complaints of farmers related to their cane weight and marking of price etc, and, on the other hand, action will be taken against the employee and mills found involved in malpractices. This will bring transparency in the inspection of purchasing centre and cane supply system and will strengthen the confidence of farmers about the system along with checking the menace of under weighment at cane purchasing centres.

No sugarcane crushing till millers and farmers agree over sugarcane purchase price

Kolhapur: The sugar mills from Kolhapur will not start cane crushing till the farmers and millers agree over a sugarcane purchase price. The decision was taken after the meeting between millers, and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna failed to come to any conclusions.

The millers have agreed to meet again on November 25, two days after the Sugarcane conference of SSS to discuss the issue. The SSS will declare the cane purchase rate in its conference and based on it, the millers will negotiate with farmers on November 25.

The millers in a meeting scheduled on Sunday had put forward the option of paying FRP in three installments which was outrightly rejected by SSS members.

Representing millers MLC Satej Patil and MLA Prakash Abitkar stated that the availability of loan, pending sugar stocks and other issues, have affected the financial situation of mills and many are not in the condition to pay FRP. We request farmers to consider the issue.

Farmers threaten to agitate on road with sugarcane for pending arrears

Badaun: The farmers have threatened to agitate on road with their sugarcane for the pending cane arrears from sugar mills. Sugarcane farmers under the banner of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sanghatan held a meeting over sugarcane dues.

The Sanghatan’s district vice president Ankit Rathore said that the corrupt sugar mills are exploiting sugarcane farmers. It has affected the farmers’ livelihood. Due to non-payment of fees, schools are expelling children. The power supplies of the houses are being cut for the delay in payment of power bills. The government is not taking action despite our agitation. We have now decided to launch the agitation if the mills fail to pay our pending arrears.”

Sugar production to decline in Telangana

Hyderabad: The state-level sugarcane farmers’ meeting is scheduled at Nelakondapalli of Khammam district on November 19. T Sagar, general secretary of Telangana Rythu Sangham has appealed the farmers to participate in the meet to discuss several issues faced by the cane producers.

“Telangana is facing sugarcane shortage as the cane cultivation area has reduced from 1.1 lakh to 53,000 acres in the state. The state government has deliberately discouraged the cane cultivation which has resulted in shutting down of 4 mills out of 11 in the state. Currently, the state produced only 22.76 lakh tonnes of sugar at present and which may go down if the government fails to address our issues,” he said.

District sugarcane officer pays surprise visit in sugar mill

Seohara: Following the complaints raised by the cane farmers about the problems in cane weighing machine, District Cane Officer Yashpal Singh paid a surprise visit to check the cane weighing machines in the sugar mill in Seohara. He checked the weighing machine and found it functioning correctly.

Earlier, the block representatives of Bhartiya Kisan Union met DCO and informed him about the plight of the cane farmers and the problems they are facing regarding the cane calendar. He issued orders to the concerned departments to take immediate action and address the issues before Monday.

Senapati Santaji Ghropade Sugar mill paid Rs 100 more than FRP: Hasan Mushrif

Kagal: Continuing the tradition of paying more than FRP (Fair and Remunerative Price), Sar Senapati Santaji Ghropade Sugar mill has paid Rs 100 per tonne more than FRP, said, MLA Hasan Mushrif.

Addressing the gathering, he said, “We have always paid a higher rate than the FRP fixed by the government. During last season, Bidri sugar mill paid Rs 3000 per tonne, and Hamidwada sugar mill paid Rs 2900 per tonne. We are transferring Rs 50 per tonne to the account of cane producers which makes our rate also Rs 2900 per tonne. So, we are paying Rs 100 more than FRP.”

In the month of July, Central government kept FRP of sugarcane unchanged at Rs 275 per quintal for a basic recovery rate of 10 per cent as sugar mills in India claimed that they are finding it difficult to pay FRP of sugarcane as the average production cost of sugar is 35 to 36 rupees per kg as against the MSP of sugar 31 rupees per kg.

Sugar mill stops crushing due to sugarcane scarcity

Farrukhabad: The District Magistrate inaugurated the crushing session of the only sugar mill in the district on Thursday, but the crushing could not begin due to insufficient supply of sugarcane.

Singh had inaugurated the mill’s crushing season by putting sugarcane in the crusher on Thursday. The next day cane available in mill yard was only 687 quintal whereas 1200 quintal cane is required to run the mill smoothly.

According to the reports, the lack of communication may be the reason behind the non-availability of cane for crushing. The problem will be sorted out soon, said the officials.

Sugarcane enroute to DY Patil sugar mill stopped

Kolhapur: The party workers under the banner of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna blocked the sugarcane crop on Thursday night which was being taken to D Y Patil sugar mill for cane crushing. The Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana’s members stated that the mills in the district would start crushing only after sugarcane convention of the organisation scheduled on November 23.

Sugarcane farmers in Maharashtra are demanding hike in FRP prices. Party workers said that our leader Raju Shetti will declare the cane purchase rate in the convention, and till then we won’t allow any mill to start crushing.

The delay in the formation of government in Maharashtra is already affecting the sugarcane crushing season in the state. Usually, the season starts after Diwali or in October. But this year due to the prolonged rainfall, drought and the state assembly elections in the state, cane crushing is delayed.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath stern on sugar mills

Lakhimpur Kheri: Many sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh have commenced the sugarcane crushing season, but still, sugarcane farmers not received cane dues.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has assured the cane farmers that government will ensure that cane growers get their pending arrears. If required, then the government will auction defaulter sugar mills, he said.

“No one should take farmers granted, and we will take stern action against mills in case of non-payment of sugarcane dues. We have paid the dues of sugarcane farmers by auctioning one such mill in Maharajganj” Yogi further added.

Issuing warning against the defaulter sugar mills, UP government had set a deadline of October 31 to pay all the arrears of sugarcane farmers. But mills failed to pay the dues. Commissioner, Sugar and Cane, Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy issued a stern direction to sugar mills to clear all cane dues before starting the crushing season.

Shekhupur sugar mill to expand its capacity

Budaun: Uttar Pradesh government has approved the proposal of five sugar mills including Shekhupur sugar mill from the region for expansion of their capacity.

The expansion proposal of the mill was pending from many years, and now the mill will initiate expansion work. Sugar mill will commence new sugarcane crushing season from today. The general manager of the sugar mill claimed to provide better facilities to the sugarcane farmers. Sugar mill aims to crush 15 lakh quintal sugarcane with a recovery rate of 9 per cent.

According to the reports published in Jagran newspaper, along with Shekhupur mill, Ghosi, Satha, Sultanpur and Kayamganj mills will also be expanded.

Goa: Minister assures revival of Sanjivani sugar mill

Curchorem: Govind Gaude, minister for cooperation, said that the Sanjivani sugar mill will commence functioning from next year.

He stated that the mill would remain closed this year to take up required repair and install new machinery. The initiatives have been taken to ensure that the mill functions to earn profit and government is appointing a consultant to look into the matter,

The factory is facing financial trouble due to a lack of adequate supply of cane. The farmers and employees from the mill are against shutting it. The mill has registered a loss of Rs 101.22 crore due to unavailability of sugarcane and various reason. The government made sure that sugarcane produced by farmers will be bought at the market price. State chief minister Pramod Sawant had assured farmers that those who produce sugarcane this season would not incur any loss. The government will purchase their sugarcane and supply it to the sugar mills in other states, besides providing support price to these farmers.

Yogi Adityanath asks farmers to stop burring stubble and cane leaves

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanth has asked the farmers to not to burn the paddy stubble and sugarcane leaves in the fields after harvest as it leads to environmental degradation.
He was speaking on the side-line of launching a web portal www.caneup.in and ‘e-Ganna’ mobile ap.

“The burring of the material also affected soil fertility. Once we start producing ethanol, we will reduce the burden of importing oil, and this will increase the prosperity of farmers,” he said.

“The app and the web will help in bringing transparency in the sector and keep a check on the black marketing,” he said.

Tamil Nadu to explore sugar beet cultivation

Coimbatore: The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) in collaboration with the Belgium-based firm Sesvanderhave has initiated the study to check the Sugar beet cultivation as an alternative to sugarcane in the state.

Confirming the development, N Kumar, TNAU vice-chancellor said, “The firm will supply us the seeds of the sugar beet variety developed for cultivation in tropical regions and we will plant them at Coimbatore, Madurai, Vaigai Dam, Kadalur, Sirugamani and Melalathur. After observations, we will recommend the crop to the farmers and sugar mills.”

Drought in the state has impacted the sugarcane production. The cane shortage has affected the mills as many were forced to shut it. Drought impact is likely to persist in season 2019-2020 too. Due to various reasons, Tamil Nadu sugar industry is in deep crisis, and they are awaiting financial assistance to come on track. Sugar producers from the state have requested a relief package to come out of this grim situation

Young blood to uplift the sugar industry

Kanpur: National Sugar Institute (NSI) successfully completed two phases of placement drive. During the two phases, 140 got recruited in various sugar factories, distilleries, consultancy organizations and machinery manufacturing units. The major recruiters have been M/s DCM Shri Ram Ltd., M/s Birla Sugars, M/s Uttam Sugar Mills Ltd., M/s Balrampur Sugar Mills Ltd., M/s Global Canesugar Services Pvt. Ltd., M/s Dalmia Bharat Sugar Mills Ltd, M/s Dhampur Sugar Mills Ltd., M/S VRL Automations Ltd. and M/s Shankar Sharkara Sankul.

In conversation with ChiniMandi.com, Prof. Narendra Mohan, Director- National Sugar Institute, expressed satisfaction over the response from the sugar industry and the number of placements made so far considering the financial situations of sugar factories. “Employment of girl students was considered to be a challenge in sugar industry but we have broken the myth and three girl students of final year Sugar Technology course, Ankita Gupta, Anshu Singh and Suman Maurya and Zakiya Aslam from Quality Control & Environment Science got the placement with attractive pay packages,” said Prof. Mohan.

“There is a growing demand now for the students of Quality Control & Environment Science Courses particularly to comply with the norms of Central Pollution Control Board and the students who have just taken admission to these courses in July, 2019, have been offered jobs,” added Prof. D Swain, Prof. Sugar Engineering & Placement Officer.

Likewise, there is almost 100 per cent campus placement of the students of Sugarcane Productivity & Maturity Course.

Sugarcane purchase under CCTV Surveillance

Azamgarh: The Kisan cooperative sugar mill has decided to install CCTV cameras at the cane purchasing centres to ensure that all the activities are recorded under CCTV cameras and the process conducted in a fair way. The mill will start crushing from November 15. The decision was taken in a meeting organized on Sunday.

DM Singh asked the mill administration to set up CCTV cameras at all the 41 cane collection centres and record all the activities from the centre. He asked them to prepare CD of all the recordings after 15 days for further reference. He asked them to provide receipts to farmers and maintain transparency.

The mill has set a target of crushing 50 lakh quintal cane and to produce 5.20 lakh quintal sugar.

E-ganna app for convenience of sugarcane farmers and making cane marketing transparent

Lucknow: In the year 2018-19, the system of survey data, pre-calendaring, parchi issuance etc. being done by the sugar mills was handed over to the cane development societies be the cane department for the benefit of sugar cane farmers. Under the earlier systems, different sugar mills had different portals to get information about survey, supply etc. of farmers through sugarcane information system and different vendors were working for different area for the purpose of issue of slips.

While providing information in this regard, Mr. Bhoosreddy said that For the purpose of bringing complete transparency in determination and uniformity in parchi issuance for smooth cane supply of sugarcane farmers to sugar mills, the cane department has adopted integrated E.R.P. system. For the current crushing season, survey data, pre-calendaring, calendaring and parchi issuance is being done through newly developed sugar cane E.R.P. system so that the desired results cane be achieved as per the Government’s expectations.

He told that the E.R.P. of Sugar Industry and Cane Development Department, is a system under which all the sugarcane farmers of the Uttar Pradesh will be provided with information on sugarcane survey, basic quota, bonding, sugarcane calendaring, issue of slips, sugarcane supply, payment on the same software on the same portal. On E.R.P. portal farmers can get all the information regarding their cane supplies. They can see their survey, calendar and purchi issuance through the “E-Ganna app”. There will be no dependence on sugar mills and no unnecessary interference from the mills.

Through Sugarcane ERP the arrangements for proper calendaring and purchi issuance based on the cane requirement and crushing capacity of sugar mills is being done as per bonding policy in interest of cane farmers. Due to the availability of information such as survey data, pre-calendar, etc. on web portal and mobile app, farmers will be able to supply sugarcane within the stipulated time. Sugarcane ERP Information regarding supply tickets to sugarcane farmers through SMS on their mobile phones, Arrangements have also been made to get the cane weighed by showing the SMS.

The entire system of sugarcane ERP is departmental and all the work of parchi issuance is being done through the cane development societies. Inquiry terminals have also been established in all the cane development societies. Efforts have been made to strengthen the societies by making necessary arrangements, for the efficient running of sugarcane ERP system, which will take various actions at the same time. The societies will ensure quick resolution of complaints lodged by farmers.

In the current season, sugarcane marketing, survey data, pre-calendaring and calendaring of the farmers of Uttar Pradesh is being done through the web portal ‘www.caneup.in and the information is available on mobile app “E -Ganna”; app. Information about calendar, basic quota, sugarcane calendar, supply tickets, and other information are available to all the farmers. Any farmers can get information about himself or information related to any farmer of the state which will be bring complete transparence in the cane marketing systems. In order to prevent human interference and irregularities in the data of sugarcane farmers, arrangements have been made to track the changes in the data and at the same time a dual verification system has been established.

He also informed that there will be no dependence on sugar mills in this system and there will be no unnecessary interference from the mills. In the fortnightly transfer of weighing clerks, there was a possibility of disturbances for arbitrary placements, to prevent malpractices in fortnightly transfers of weighing clerks the transfers will be done by online lottery through ERP.

After this, in the second phase, the HR module, input distribution module balance sheet and TDS modules of accounting etc. will also be added in ERP. So that all the activities including marketing of sugarcane under the department as well as the business, establishment and accounting functions of its agricultural investments can be carried out smoothly through this portal, so that transparency and transparency in the execution of the activities of the department Will also enhance.

Revenue segment is bringing its land accounts online. In such a situation, a module is being taken to link the land holdings of sugarcane farmers through ERP to the Land Accounts Portal of the Revenue Department, so that In the next years, the land holdings of the farmers will be verified automatically from their revenue records and the possibility of error will be removed and the real farmer will benefit.

It is also noteworthy that along with website “www.caneup.in” and “E-Ganna app” for effective grievance redressal, inquiry terminals have also been set up. A 24×7 toll-free number 1800-121-3203, at the headquarters by the sugarcane department. For information related to supply tickets, 24×7 toll-free number 1800-103-5823 has been established by the ERP provider. The problems of farmers will be solved by technically skilled personnel under the ERP system.

Haryana: Demand to start cane crushing by November 15

Ladwa: The cane farmers in Haryana have raised the demand for increasing the cane purchase price to Rs 400 per quintal. The demand was made by Bhartiya Kissan Union. Ajit Singh, leader of the organisation, said, “The government should fix Rs 400 per quintal rate for cane farmers. The government should make all the sugar mills to start cane crushing by November 15, so that farmers can take another crop for cultivation.”

He also demanded that farmers should get their payments within 15 days of crushing. If the mill does not make the payment of the cane growers within 15 days, then the money should be paid with 15 per cent interest.

Maharashtra sugar commissioner suggests to start crushing season from November 25

Pune: The delay in the formation of government in Maharashtra has already delayed the crushing season. After the President’s rule imposed in the state, the state sugar commissioner office has recommended to commence crushing season from November 25.

Usually, the season starts after the formation of a government, group of ministers conduct a meeting and takes a decision regarding this. Normally, the season starts after Diwali or in October. But this year due to the prolonged rainfall, drought and the state assembly elections in the state, cane crushing is delayed.

According to the reports, till date, 89 mills have received the crushing license, and 72 are still waiting for it. And the sugar commissioner’s office is learnt to have written to the state government to start the crushing season on November 25.

Flood in Pune, Sangli, Satara, Solapur and Kolhapur districts, the sugar belt of Maharashtra, have majorly hit the sugarcane crops, which will ultimately be going to impact the sugarcane production in Maharashtra. Also, farmers have uprooted sugarcane in the severely drought-affected regions of the state to feed their animals as other green fodders were not available. It will also likely to impact sugar output in Maharashtra.

Due to less availability of sugarcane, mills will not run for a longer time. In sugar season 2018-2019, 195 sugar mills participated and produced 107.19 lakh tonnes of sugar by crushing 951.79 lakh tonnes of sugarcane with a recovery rate of 11.26 per cent.

BJP may face sugarcane farmers’ wrath in by-poll

Bengaluru: The BJP government is likely to face the wrath of sugarcane cultivators in by-polls in Mandya, the sugar bowl of Karnataka.
The BJP is banking on the series of projects launched in the region but has failed to address the sugarcane cultivators’ issues.

Karnataka is already impacted by drought, following which the sugarcane production is affected. Due to the closure of this mill, sugarcane farmers of the district are upset. The non-functioning of Mysugar and Pandavapura Sahakari Sakkare Karkhane (PSSK) made the situation worst for sugarcane farmers in Mandya and adjoining areas.

The four private sugar mills have not been able to take on the extra produce, as they have limited crushing capacities. The farmers demanded the transportation cost to send their cane to mills outside the district. The state government agreed on the issue, but it is alleged that the government has done nothing in the direction.

A total of 15 Assembly constituencies in Karnataka are going to bypolls on December 5. The counting of the votes has been scheduled for December 9.

Uttar Pradesh: Sugar mills to face action over pending cane arrears

Meerut: The administration has issued notices to three sugar mills in Meerut over pending arrears. These include two mills from Mawana group and one from Kinauni group.

Dushyant Kumar, district cane officer, said, “We have issued notices to these mills after they failed to clear pending arrears of farmers after a repeated appeal from the government. Stern action will be taken against them if they fail to clear can arrears”.

Issuing warning against the defaulter sugar mills, UP government had set a deadline of October 31 to pay all the arrears of sugarcane farmers. But mills failed to clear it. Commissioner, Sugar and Cane, Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy had also issued a stern direction to sugar mills to clear all cane dues before starting the crushing season.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath to launch E Ganna App

Lucknow: Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath will launch the “Web Portal” and “Mobile App” developed by Sugar Industry & Cane Development Department for sugarcane farmers on13 November, 2019 04:00 PM at Lok Bhawan Auditorium. Through this Portal and App, information about cane survey, basic quota, bonding, cane calendaring, issuance of parchi and cane supply of all sugarcane farmers of Uttar Pradesh will be available on a single platform in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of Sugar Industry & Cane Development.

Commissioner Cane and Sugar, Shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy, informed that this Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) has been developed as per directions of the Hon’ble Chief Minister. This Portal and App has been created for comprehensive solution to the problem of Cane farmers, so that they do not have any inconvenience & can timely supply their cane to sugar mills with ease and comfort. Farmers will be able to get information related to their cane survey, basic quota, bonding, cane calendaring, issuance of parchi and cane supply through this Portal (www.caneup.in) on the computer and the App (E-Ganna) on the mobile. The app and portal will facilitate the farmers to get all the information sitting at home.

Naraingarh sugar mill gets December 31 deadline

Ambala: The Naraingarh sugar mill commences cane crushing from today. Sugar mill has failed to pay cane arrears to sugarcane farmers.

The farmer after hearing that mill is set to start crushing launched agitation outside the mill premises. The mill officials convinced the farmers that they are yet to receive around 12.19 crore from the power department, which they expect to get by December 31. Following which mill will clear the dues. After getting assurance, farmers called off their protest.

Rajiv Sharma, the BKU spokesperson, said, “The mill administration has assured us that the previous payments will be paid by December 5. while the new payment will start from the next day.” BKU warned of agitation in case if the mill fails to clear the dues till December 31.

In the month of August, sugarcane farmers, who gave their sugarcane to the private sugar mill in Ambala, had intensified their protest due to non-payment of cane arrears. They staged a demonstration outside the sugar factory demanding mill to pay the dues of the 2018-2019 season at the earliest. The stir came to an end when Haryana cabinet announced the financial help to Naraingarh sugar mill.

Government plans to completely shut down Sanjivani sugar mill: MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco

Panaji: The future of Sanjivani sugar mill has not been decided yet. Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco said that non-operation of mill’s crushing season is a big setback for the sugarcane farmers who cultivate the crop on 900-hectare area.

He had sent a letter to Goa CM Pramod Sawant, in which he stated that government’s move to cancel the crushing of sugarcane has sent a signal that it plans to completely shut down the lone sugar factory in the state.

The factory is facing financial trouble due to a lack of adequate supply of cane. The farmers and employees from the mill are against shutting it. The mill has registered a loss of Rs 101.22 crore due to unavailability of sugarcane and various reason. The government made sure that sugarcane produced by farmers will be bought at the market price. State chief minister Pramod Sawant had assured farmers that those who produce sugarcane this season would not incur any loss. The government will purchase their sugarcane and supply it to the sugar mills in other states, besides providing support price to these farmers.

Karnataka government should lift sugarcane ban, says Raju Shetti

Kolhapur: As Karnataka has decided to ban cane selling to other states, Former MP and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leader Raju Shetti demanded to lift the ban. With the sugarcane ban, the cane procurement struggle for sugar mills in Maharashtra is likely to increase if Karnataka stops supplying the cane.

The sugarcane cultivation has been affected following the drought and the recent floods. The situation is the same in Maharashtra. The mills from both states are facing sugarcane scarcity and mills residing on the borders of both states are trying to woo cane cultivators from neighbouring states to ensure enough crushing for the season.

Sanghatana would organise its 18th sugarcane convention on November 23, and the conference, as usual, will be conducted at Jaysingpur in Kolhapur district. In this convention, the party will decide on sugarcane price, which has remain unchanged for 2019-2020 season.

ChiniMandi Exclusive: Panel Interview on Sugarcane

Improving sugarcane production will help in the prosperity of the farmers and other stakeholders associated with the sugarcane cultivation. Currently, the prime concern of cane growers and the sugar industry is to achieve higher sugarcane productivity and higher sugar recovery, both of which support maximum economic returns. The wider spatial and temporal variations in soil characteristics are the major constraint for achieving the maximum cane productivity.

An interesting panel interview with veterans from the Indian Sugar Industry took place on ChiniMandi where deliberation various approaches such as the development of high yielding and high sugar varieties, development of sugarcane based cropping system, production technologies including soil and water management, economically viable production and protection technologies.

Interviewers:
Mr.D.S.Gurav Ex-M.D, Shree Datta Shetkari SSK Ltd, Shirol.
Mr.D.M Raskar, CEO – Shreenath Mhaskoba Sakhar Karkhana Ltd. Pune

Interviewee:
Dr.Ram Kushal Singh – Ex- Senior Sugarcane Breeder.
Developed 07 sugarcane varieties including 03 early maturing high sugar varieties viz. CoS 08272, CoS 96268, CoS 95255, CoS 08272 is being popular among the growers and sugar industries in sub tropical climate. Published 204 research articles including 83 in Referred Journals.

Excerpts:

Q. What inspired you in developing sugarcane variety?
A: I started my career in 1989 as Sugarcane Breeder at Sugarcane Research Institute, Shahjahanpur (U.P.). During this period, CoJ 64 was popular among the sugar Industries as well in growers of U.P.,Haryana and Punjab, due to its late losting nature regarding high
sugar recovery. I had inspired with the late losing quality of CoJ 64,then ruling variety of North India.

Q.How did you come to this field?
A: Being a breeder, my goal was to develop such early maturing high sugar varieties having high tonnage with multiple resistance against diseases and pests along with good ratooning and sustain up to the April in north Indian conditions,so that sugar industries as well
growers could be benefited with sustainable sugar and sugarcane productivity.

Q.You have developed 07 varieties of sugarcane, what was the focus while this development?
A: Since,my joining in sugarcane breeding, I had focused to develop a concept of seedling selection under space transplanting conditions for picking high sugar genotypes in early generation which had accepted by all the breeders and followed till now in most of
sugarcane research organization. As a concentrated effort, developed a concept of selection during early phase of growth for developing early maturing high sugar variety of sugarcane. As a result the work on breeding for early maturing varieties had started by me in U.P. Council of Sugarcane Research. Resulting able to developed seven sugarcane varieties including four early maturing high sugar varieties viz. CoS 08272, CoS 96268,CoS 96260, CoS 95255 and three high sugar varieties; CoS 97261,CoS 88216,CoS 91269. Among these CoS 08272 is being popular among the growers and sugar Industries in sub tropical
climate.

Q.Which are the most popular variety ever developed & what made it so popular?
A: CoS 08272-An early maturing high yielding rich sugar variety having multiple resistance against diseases and pests. CoS 08272 is a rare combination of four desirable attributes i.e. early maturity, red-rot resistance, high cane yield and good ratooning ability. It is a farmers
and factory’s loving variety due to its excellent industrial quality viz; early maturity, sustainable rich sugar recovery, higher cane and ratoon yielding ability with moderately resistant to red rot and resistant to smut, pokka boeing and others diseases. The genotype has impressive, good field stand, profuse and synchronize tillering, erectness, solid, vigorous growth, dark lush green foliage most suitable for fodder, tall canes with non lodging tendency.

Q.Nowadays, the sugarcane crop is blamed as a high water consuming crop, what is your scientific opinion?
A: Integrated management of water is the need of the day, specially for sugarcane crop. Drip irrigation or light irrigation in alternate rows after 20-30 days intervals(deficit moisture conditions) could be adopted to save water for the future.

Q. Researchers from Uttar Pradesh have researched well on sugarcane variety, are they disease resistant? And can they be implemented apart from Uttar Pradesh?
A: U.P. Council of Sugarcane Research has given priority to develop high sugar varieties having moderately resistant against devastating red rot disease. As a result, linkage among early maturity, thickness, high sugar content, multi ratooning and susceptibility against red rot disease could be broken and with the result variety CoS 08272 could be developed which is high sugared and moderately resistant to red rot. It has also been appreciated by sugarcane industries, growers and researchers from different parts of the country.

Q. How many ratoons does the sugarcane variety developed by you produce in percentage wise and how will it grow in the future?
A: Three ratoon crop of CoS 08272 could be harvested with 400-500 Qt per acre or 100-125 t/ha under subtropical conditions. It is due to its profused and synchronized tillering even in winter harvested cane with less mortality.

Q.Which are the sugarcane varieties used for crossbreeding to increase sugarcane production, remains drought resistant and disease resistant?
A: Co 0238 and CoLk 94184; CoS 08272 and CoC671,Co 0118 and CoS 08272 ; Co 98014 and CoLk 94184 could be utilized in crossbreeding to increase sugarcane and sugar productivity along with water stress and disease tolerant in future.

Q.How will the new sugarcane varieties prove as a blessing for the milk industry?
A: CoS 08272 and related sugarcane varieties with soft, smooth and lush green foliage (Agola/top green leaves) could be blessings for milk industry,due to the presence of high protein, minerals, and sugar Content.

Q.What would your piece of advice for farmers be?
A: Farmers should grow early maturing high sugar and red rot tolerant varieties like CoS 08272 with moderate fiber content having 2- 3 ratooning ability, so that tolerance could be developed against abiotic and biotic stresses viz; tolerant to diseases and pests, water stress, salinity and alkalinity..Crop rotation with green manuring, vermicompost, compost and bioagents like Trichoderma, Pseudomonas etc should be adopted regularly to enrich organic content of soil.

Uttar Pradesh not to purchase cane from Uttarakhand

Roorkee: Uttar Pradesh has shown no interest in purchasing cane from the neighbouring districts of Uttarakhand. As many as 20 villages from the Uttarakhand had demanded to set up cane collection centres of the mills from Saharanpur district in their villages, but the government did not agree to their demands.

According to the reports, Iqbalpur sugar mill may not go for crushing this season, as the mill has yet not started the preperations. Also, the farmers are also not interested in sending cane to the mill. The villagers were eying for sending cane to Deoband and Gagalhedi sugar mill in Uttar Pradesh. However, the UP government has not shown any interest in purchasing cane from the neighbouring state. This has increased the problems of the farmers and are searching for mills for crushing their cane.

Govt. Fixes 20.5 LMT Monthly Sugar Quota for Sale in November 2019

ChiniMandi Delhi, 30th October 2019: In a notification issued on 31st day of October 2019, the food ministry has allocated 20.5 LMT monthly sugar quota for November to each of 535 mills in India along with added incentivized quota to those mills who have completed their export targets under MIEQ Quota. The allocated quota of November 2019 is 1.5 LMT lower than the preceding year’s November month quota that stood at 22 LMT.

The group sugar producing companies having more than one sugar producing units may maintain the stock as defined in Para (1) of this Order, either unit wise or for the group as a whole.
The sugar-mill wise Maximum quantity of white/refined sugar for domestic sale and dispatch during the month of November 2019 as given in column 4 of the table has been worked out on the basis of the following parameters:
The November, 2019 Stock holding limit has been worked out on the basis of giving 100% weightage to the month end notional stock for the month of October 2019. The notional month-end stock for the month of October 2019, has been worked out on the basis of month end stock for September, 2019 (as reported on P-II) and subtracting actual release for October 2019. Since new sugar season 2019-20 has commenced from October 2019 no data on sugar production during October 2019 is available hence, no estimated production has been taken into account.

The quantity of white and raw sugar dispatched from sugar mills for the purpose of export (as reported P-II) has also been added in October 2019 month end notional stock.
Those sugar mills which have completed their 75% to 100% export targets under MIEQ quota allotted to them for the sugar season 2018-19 have been given incentive in the form of additional allocation @ 10% of their normal allocation for the month of November 2019. Besides, the sugar mills which have completed 50 to 75% of their export targets under MIEQ quota for the season 2018-19 have been given @ 7.5% of their normal allocation for the month of November, 2019 by adding this incentivized quantity in column 4 of the table in this Order. No deductions have been made for non-fulfillment of export targets under MIEQ.

Incentive in lieu of sugar sacrificed for producing ethanol from B heavy molasses have been given by adding additional quantity in column 4 of the table of this order, corresponding to the reported ethanol production from B heavy molasses (reported on P-II) for August 2019 for stock holding limit Order for the month of November 2019.

Show Cause Notices (SCNs) was issued to the sugar mills for violation of stock holding order for the month of June 2019. Except 2 sugar mills, replies to SCNs have been received from other sugar mills which are under examination. The excess quantity sold by the said 2 sugar mills have been deducted from the proposed allocation in the month of November 2019.

In the previous month the Govt. allocated 21 lakh MT monthly sugar quota in October to 535 mills in the country. The millers have been witnessing scanty demand in spite of the ongoing Diwali festival which is one of the biggest festivals of Hindus. Rains have also been adding to the woes. With delayed monsoon the festive demand is still slow and effecting sugar consumption directly. With the schedule of majority of mills to begin crushing of sugarcane and the current situation looks like the Indian Sugar Industry will face a tough time to reduce the stock piles after witnessing a “not so sweet Diwali” this year!

Government extends MIEQ time for sugar exports by 3 months

The sugar industry is facing an unprecedented crisis ostensibly due to a problem of plenty and has increased the woes of the stakeholders. The sale of sugar in the domestic market has not been up to the mark due to which the sale of sugar has almost slowed down.

Mill-wise, Minimum Indicative Export Quotas (MIEQ) for sugar season 2018-19 was allocated vide DFPD’s order dated 28.9.2018. Today, The Department of Food & Public Distribution has permitted mills which had partially exported their MIEQ Quota of 2018-19 sugar season till 30.09.2019 to export balance quantity of their MIEQ of 2018-19 sugar season by 31.12.2019, over and above Maximum Admissible Export Quantity (MAEQ) allocated for 2019-20 sugar season.

IOCL to set up Rs 766 crore ethanol plant at Panipat

New Delhi: Furthering the Government of India’s commitment in promoting the use of environmentally friendly products, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has given Environment Clearance to Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to set up new 2G Ethanol plant at Panipat.

The Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Prakash Javadekar announced this in a tweet yesterday.

IOCL had earlier submitted a proposal seeking Environmental Clearance for its proposed 100 KLPD Ligno-Cellulosic 2G Ethanol Plant in Baholi, Panipat district of Haryana. The estimated investment in setting up the plant is Rs 766 crore. It is noteworthy to mention that Central Government has identified production and use of ethanol as one the thrust area to reduce import dependency and increase farmers’ income. The Ethanol produced will be used for blending in transportation fuel.

It is also pertinent to highlight that recently the Central Government had declared that no separate environmental clearance is required to produce additional ethanol from B-heavy molasses as it does not contribute to the pollution load, giving further benefits to farmers and the sugar industry.

India’s 2019-20 sugar production expected at 268.5 lakh tons: ISMA

New Delhi: In July 2019, ISMA had released its preliminary estimates of sugar production at 282 lakh tons for 2019-20 SS, based on the first survey of satellite mapping carried out in June 2019, assuming normal South West Monsoon in 2019. Also, diversion of B-heavy molasses and sugarcane juice was then not considered for their impact on sugar production.

The second set of satellite images of sugarcane crop acreage across the country has been procured in the latter part of October 2019. Considering the estimates of sugarcane acreage, yields, recovery, cane drawal, rainfall and other relevant factors, ISMA has now reviewed its first advance estimates of sugar production for 2019-20 sugar season. On the basis of the October 2019 satellite images, ISMA has now estimated the total cane acreage at 48.31 lakh hectares, which is about 12% less than 2018-19 SS on pan India basis of 55.02 lakh ha.

As per satellite images of October 2019 and the fact that we did not have normal rainfall, Sugar production during the current 2019-20 SS is expected to be lower than what was expected about 4 months back. The crop in the two main sugarcane growing States, namely, Maharashtra and Karnataka which contribute around 35 – 40% of country’s sugar, have been adversely impacted due to various reasons.

The sugarcane acreage in Uttar Pradesh, the leading sugarcane and sugar producing State in the country is seen to be slightly lower, as compared to 2018-19 SS. Taking into account the crop condition, weather conditions and area under the high yielding cane varieties in the State, an improvement in yield per hectare is expected. Hence, sugar production in UP in 2019-20 SS is estimated to be around 120 lakh tons, which is more or less at the same level of 118.21 lakh tons produced in 2018-19 SS.

As per preliminary estimates in July 2019, cane area of Maharashtra was seen lower by about 30% for 2019-20 SS, on account of drought last year in Marathwada and Solapur.

Floods affected in Maharashtra important cane growing areas Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Pune in August – September 2019. Due to water logging in cane fields for long duration, some of the cane has been destroyed completely, while some areas have been partially affected in terms of yield and recovery. Hence, cane area for 2019-20 harvesting has further dropped to 7.76 lakh hectare, against what was reported about 4 months back. It is thus about 33% less than last year’s acreage of 11.54 lakh ha.

Some sugarcane fields in uplands will benefit in terms of yield per hectare as well as recovery, due to better water availability therein during the very important grand growth period. Taking into account all the above factors, sugar production is, therefore, estimated to drop by almost 40% around 62 lakh tons in 2019-20 SS, as against 107.20 lakh tons produced in 2018-19 SS.

Similar to Maharashtra, there was poor rainfall in 2018 last year in the cane growing areas of Karnataka, reducing the acreage therein for 2019-20 SS. Further, incessant rains in 1st fortnight of August, 2019 also affected the area contiguous to Maharashtra i.e. North Karnataka mainly in Belgaum and Bijapur Districts.

Thus, area under sugarcane in 2019-20 SS is expected to be about 3.99 lakh. ha as against 5.02 lakh ha. in 2018-19 SS, which is lower by about 21%. Considering the various factors as stated above, sugar production in 2019-20 SS is estimated to be around 32 lakh tons, as against 44.30 lakh tons produced in 2018-19 SS.

There has not been any major changes in the other sugarcane growing States of the country. The rainfall therein has been more or less as expected. Hence, these States are expected to collectively produce about 54.5 lakh tons of sugar in 2019-20 SS, almost at the same level as in the previous season. Therefore, the total sugar production during 2019-20 SS would be around 268.5 lakh tons without considering the impact of sugar reduction due to diversion of B heavy molasses/ sugarcane juice to Ethanol.

The tender for ethanol procurement for 2019-20 SS is expected to be opened by the OMCs very shortly. As per informal reports, this year the bid for the Ethanol produced from B heavy/sugarcane juice would be higher. As per market information, it is estimated that around 8.5 lakh tons of less sugar will be produced because of the diversion of cane juice and B-molasses into ethanol. Therefore, the resultant sugar production estimates for 2019-20, after considering this diversion into ethanol, will be around 260 lakh tons of sugar. The exact diversion can be better determined once the bids are opened by the OMCs and, therefore, if required, ISMA can revise the figures.

The sugarcane crushing for the season 2019-20 is soon starting in some areas. Therefore, a better picture would emerge once the crushing starts fully and actual trend of yields and sugar recoveries would become available. As has been the practice, if required ISMA will once again revisit the sugarcane and sugar production estimates in January 2020, when the trends of the above are available.

Sugar production during 2018-19 sugar season was 331.61 lakh tons. As per reports submitted by the sugar mills to the Government, sugar sales during 2018-19 sugar season was 246 lakh tons. It has been seen that there are some sugar mills which sell more than the monthly sale quota given by the Government to them, for various reasons including the pressure to pay cane price to the farmers and also because huge working capital is blocked in the high sugar inventory. There are reports from the market that another 8-9 lakh tons of sugar would have got sold over and above what has been reported by them to the Government. Therefore, the sugar sales by the sugar mills during 2018-19 season is estimated to be 255 lakh tons.

Considering the opening balance of 107 lakh tons as on 1st October 2018 and sugar and exports of around 38 lakh tons and sugar sales of 255 lakh tons, the closing balance as on 30th September 2019 is estimated to be 145.81 lakh tons.

Against the new sugar export policy of MAEQ of 60 lakh tons, several sugar companies have already finalized contracts for exports and in the month of October 2019 alone, it is learnt that about 7 to 8 lakh tons of sugar exports have been contracted far.

Uttar Pradesh: Sugarcane farmers climb on trees for pending arrears

Mawana: Demanding the pending cane arrears, two sugarcane farmers in Mawana city climbed on the tree situated in the Tehsil area. Police, fire brigade and sugarcane secretary took immediate action and rescued them. The duo was later released after warning.

The Kisan Ekata Sangharsh organization had launched an agitation for pending arrears from sugar mills in the region. They had launched sit-in agitation for their demand in front of the Tehsil office. On Friday afternoon, Shaukin Gurjar, president of the organization, climbed on the tree to raise press for their demands. After some time, another member climbed on the tree. The government officials reached the spot and requested them to climb down, but they did not pay heed. Later on, police intervened and brought them down.

The government officials have assured them to look into the matter and ensure the speedy action regarding payment of pending dues.

King’s son will not become king, says cane harvester’s son after becoming MLA

Mumbai: After the son of a cane harvester who contested state assembly elections from Malshiras constituency won the seat, he said a King’s son will not become king, but the person who deserves will become the king.

Satpute contested on BJP ticket and garnered 1,03,507 votes as against Uttamrao Jankar (NCP) who secured 1,00,917 votes. He thanked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Ramdas Athawle for showing trust on him.

The cane harvesters are happy that they have sent their representative to the state assembly to push forward their demands. Belonging to Ashti taluka of Beed district, Ram’s father was working as a cane harvester attached to Shankar cooperative sugar mill in Malshiras taluka. His father sent him to Pune for education where he came in contact with ABVP and started working for the organization. While allocating seats, BJP showed trust in him and allowed to contest an election.

Tamil Nadu CM urges Nirmala Sitharaman to take urgent steps to revive sugar industry

Chennai: Tamil Nadu sugar industry is in deep crisis, and they are awaiting financial assistance to come on track. State Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami has written a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to take immediate steps to revive the sugar industry. As many as 4 lakh farmers are affected due to the bad condition of the sugar industry in the state.

Recently, Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had assured Tamil Nadu sugar industry to revive when she met the representatives of the sugar sector in Chennai.

Sugar producers from the state have requested a relief package to come out of this grim situation. Drought in the state has impacted the sugarcane production. The cane shortage has affected the mills as many were forced to shut it. Drought impact is likely to persist in season 2019-2020 too.

Deadline near for sugar mills to clear cane dues

Lucknow: The festival of lights, Diwali, will also end soon, but yet sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh have not cleared pending cane dues. Sugarcane farmers are upset as it has become difficult for them to run their livelihood without money.

State sugarcane minister Suresh Rana said that action had been taken against the mills who failed to pay the cane arrears, which forced them to clear the dues. He assured that soon all dues would be paid.

He was on the visit to Ramala sugar mill to look after the preparations done for starting cane crushing. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be inaugurating the crushing season of the mill.

Issuing warning against the defaulter sugar mills, UP government had also set a deadline of October 31 to pay all the arrears of sugarcane farmers. It would be interesting to see, whether mills will clear all the dues or farmers will have to wait more time.

Raju Shetti warns sugar mills to pay pending cane arrears

Solapur: The head of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana and former MP Raju Shetti has said that sugarcane production is expected to decrease and the crushing season of 2019-20 is likely to last for a maximum of 3 months, but we will not allow crushing to begin until the FRP dues of the previous season are paid. Shetti gave this warning at a press conference held in Solapur.

Shetti also said that the Sanghatana would organise its 18th sugarcane convention on November 23, and the conference, as usual, will be conducted at Jaysingpur in Kolhapur district. In this convention, the directions will be decided to meet the demands of sugarcane farmers.

Farmers leader Raju Shetti has warned the sugar millers to pay pending FRP immediately else they will not be allowed to cut cane from fields.

The delay in the formation of government in Maharashtra is affecting the sugarcane crushing season in the state. Usually, the season starts after Diwali or in October. But this year due to the prolonged rainfall, drought and the state assembly elections in the state, cane crushing is delayed.

Ethanol production could help in balancing sugar surplus: ISMA

New Delhi: The ethanol production focussed policy could help in reducing surplus sugar in the Indian sugar market, said Rohit Pawar, president of the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA). He was speaking at an S&P Global Platts 10th Asia Sugar & Ethanol Conference.

The ethanol policy should focus on finding alternative sources of renewable energy while developing production flexibility to divert surplus cane into either sugar or ethanol, said Pawar, reports Spglobal

Recently, ISMA had forecasted the total sugar production during 2019-20 Sugar Season would be around 268.5 lakh tons without considering the impact of sugar reduction due to diversion of B heavy molasses/ sugarcane juice to ethanol.

Recently, the Indian government increased the price of ethanol from C heavy molasses from Rs.43.46 per litre to Rs.43.75 per litre, and the cost of ethanol from B heavy molasses hiked from Rs.52.43 per litre to Rs.54.27 per litre. Price of ethanol from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup route was fixed at 59.48 per litre. Also, giving further benefits to farmers and sugar industry, the Central Government has declared that no separate environmental clearance is required to produce additional ethanol from B-heavy molasses as it does not contribute to the pollution load.

Delay in government formation affecting sugarcane crushing season in Maharashtra

Kolhapur: The delay in the formation of government in Maharashtra is affecting the sugarcane crushing season in the state. Usually, the season starts after the group of ministers conduct a meeting and takes a decision regarding this. The meeting is headed by the chief minister in which the issues related to FRP, cane crushing, licenses to the mills and other issues are discussed, and permissions to start crushing are granted.

Usually, the season starts after Diwali or in October. But this year due to the prolonged rainfall, drought and the state assembly elections in the state, cane crushing is delayed.

A total of 195 sugar mills participated in sugar season 2018-2019. According to the Sugar Commissionerate report, the factories crushed 951.79 lakh tonnes of sugarcane to produce 107.19 lakh tonnes of sugar at a recovery rate of 11.26 per cent.

Flood in Pune, Sangli, Satara, Solapur and Kolhapur districts, the sugar belt of Maharashtra, have majorly hit the sugarcane crops, which will ultimately be going to impact the sugarcane production in Maharashtra. Also, farmers have uprooted sugarcane in the severely drought-affected regions of the state to feed their animals as other green fodders were not available. It will also likely to impact sugar output in Maharashtra.

Sugarcane development office employees wear black ribbon to protest against attack

Saharanpur: The employees attached with Sugarcane development office protested against the attack by a youth in their department by working wearing a black ribbon. They have demanded that they will continue their protest by wearing a black ribbon on duty till the police register an FIR against the culprit.

According to the reports, the youth had entered in the computer section of the department on Wednesday and had damaged the material from office abusing working staff. The employees are demanding police to take action against him.

Government to initiate action against sugar mills

Bijnor: In spite of various notices issued to sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh to clear sugarcane arrears, millers failed to pay it.

Now, the government will not issue notices to mills asking to pay dues instead will initiate action against them. The mills will soon get notices in this regard.

According to the reports, in Bijnor district, four sugar mills have not paid around Rs 200 crore rupees. Bilai mill of Bajaj group has to pay Rs 100 crore, Bijnor sugar mill owes Rs 42 crore to sugarcane farmers. Chandpur and Bahadarpur owe Rs 37 and Rs 17 crore respectively.

Cane dues in the state are getting cleared at a snail pace; therefore CM Yogi Adityanath had served October 31 deadline to all mills for clearing the arrears, but they failed to pay it citing financial scarcity. Commissioner, Sugar and Cane, Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy issued a stern direction to sugar mills to clear all cane dues before starting the crushing season.

Yogi Adityanath to inaugurate crushing season of Pipraich sugar mill

Gorakhpur: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be inaugurating the crushing season of Pipraich sugar mill in Gorakhpur on November 17.
The mill administration is busy in crushing season preparations and to welcome the CM Yogi.

Vimal Dubey, MD of the mill, said that the decision to allot cane for the Pipraich sugar mill would be decided soon. The mill management is in constant touch with sugar cane commissioner.

“CM will perform puja of the cane carrier of the mill and will address the farmers on November 17” he further added.

Farmers in Tamil Nadu urged to go for new sugarcane variety

Tiruchirappalli: Sugar mills in Tamil Nadu are struggling as they are facing financial scarcity and sugarcane shortage. Therefore, the state is promoting CO 11015 variety of sugarcane to achieve better productivity and returns.

Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Principal Secretary, Agriculture said, “The variety grows in short duration and is high yielding one.” He was inspecting the plantation of the variety in the fields of EID Parry sugar factory at Pugalur in Karur district.

Cane growers in Tamil Nadu opt for the 86032 variety but the new variety has 0.5 per cent higher recovery than existing crop and grows within 8 to 12 months than the earlier variety which takes more around 12 months.

Yet no decision on Sanjivani sugar mill’s fate

Panaji: Future of Goa’s Sanjivani sugar mill workers and farmers is still at stake. Cane crushing has already commenced in many states, but still, there is no decision over the mill’s functioning.

However, the government has stated that it will purchase the sugarcane from farmers. Menino D’Souza, registrar of the co-operative society, said, “We will purchase the cane from farmers at the fixed rate and government has not yet decided over to starting the mill.”

The factory is facing financial trouble due to a lack of adequate supply of cane. The farmers and employees from the mill are against shutting it. The mill has registered a loss of Rs 101.22 crore due to unavailability of sugarcane and various reason. The government made sure that sugarcane produced by farmers will be bought at the market price. State chief minister Pramod Sawant had assured farmers that those who produce sugarcane this season would not incur any loss. The government will purchase their sugarcane and supply it to the sugar mills in other states, besides providing support price to these farmers.

Earlier many sugarcane organisations and groups met state ministers and insisted them to operate sugar mill in the coming season. Local politicians warned the government over factory closure. MLA Prasad Gaonkar threatened to agitate along with farmers on the streets of Panjim if government closes the factory.

Demand to fix sugarcane FRP at Rs 3,300 per tonne

Bengaluru: Sugarcane farmers claim that FRP what they get is not sufficient as the cost of sugarcane production is increased, therefore there is a need to hike cane price.

Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, the farmers’ organisation, has demanded the central government to fix the FRP of sugarcane to Rs 3,300 per tonne for the 2019-20 crushing season.

Sangha leaders said hike in FRP would help in relieving them from the financial burden.

They also urged the government to take up a programme to start defunct mills so that the cane growers can send their cane to the factories.

In the month of July, Central government kept Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane unchanged at Rs 275 per quintal for a basic recovery rate of 10 per cent as sugar mills in India claimed that they are finding it difficult to pay FRP of sugarcane as the average production cost of sugar is 35 to 36 rupees per kg as against the MSP of sugar 31 rupees per kg.

Will move to High Court against sugar mills: BG Patil

Sangli: Sugarcane farmers from Sangli district are upset as they have yet not received the pending cane arrears with interest. Therefore farmers organisations warned to knock the court doors over pending dues.

While addressing the press conference, Baliraja Kisan Sangathan president BG Patil said, “We will move to High court over cane dues. The crushing licence should not be given to sugar mills until they don’t pay the arrears.”

He alleged that sugar mills in the district still owe around Rs 19 crore to sugarcane farmers.

“Some sugar factories in the state have paid outstanding FRPs with interest. Sugar Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad has assured that a final notice will be issued to all the mills over pending FRP. If the action is not taken then we will move to the court,” Patil further added.

Sugar mills fail to clear cane dues despite strict order

Rampur: Sugarcane farmers claim that despite the orders issued by the Allahabad High Court and the state government, the sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh are not paying the pending cane arrears. They are worried as the new crushing season almost started but mills have yet not paid the dues.

According to the reports, in Rampur district, two sugar mills owe around Rs 33 crore rupees. Same is the condition in other districts as well in the state.

Issuing warning against the defaulter sugar mills, UP government had set a deadline of October 31 to pay all the arrears of sugarcane farmers. But mills failed to pay the dues. Commissioner, Sugar and Cane, Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy issued a stern direction to sugar mills to clear all cane dues before starting the crushing season.

The rule mandates that sugarcane amount should be deposited to the farmers’ bank accounts within 14 days after the sugarcane harvest is handed over to the factory owners, but the mills failed to do so. Sugar mills citing depressed sugar prices and scarcity of money as a reason in delay in clearing the cane dues.

Setback for Muzaffarnagar sugarcane farmers

Muzaffarnagar: Sugarcane farmers in Muzaffarnagar may get major setback as the cane in the region got infected by the disease. The famed Co-0238 high-yielding sugarcane variety, which is used in big numbers by sugarcane farmers has run into trouble as it came to contact with fungal infection.

According to the reports, this sugarcane variety is produced on 96 per cent land of Muzaffarnagar. Cane growers showing concern said that if the government will not pay attention to this crisis, then farmers will have to suffer a huge loss. Meanwhile, the sugarcane department of urged farmers not to grow more than 60 per cent of any sugarcane variety.

Earlier, Pilibhit district cane growers also faced the brunt of Red Rot sugarcane disease as thousands of acres of land were under its effect.

Over the years, the Indian Sugar Industry lacks sustainability of sugarcane, sugar production and profitability. Keeping in view the prevailing sugarcane production technologies can be improved by adopting sustainable sugarcane production technologies and premium early maturing sustainable high sugar varieties having multiple resistance against prevailing diseases and pests.

Suspense over Iqbalpur sugar mill crushing season continues

Roorkee: Considering the excess availability of sugarcane and due to the scepticism of the sugar mill crushing season, the administration has tightened the rules.

According to the reports, the state government has asked the cane farmers to supply their produce to the sugar mills on the fixed dates allotted to them.

The suspense over the operation of the Iqbalpur sugar mill continues as the government has transferred 50 cane collection centres of the mill to other sugar mills. Therefore, it is expected that sugar mills will have plenty of sugarcane for crushing.

The cane will be taken for crushing only on the allotted date, said the official. The farmer will get information about the slip in advance through SMS.

Farmers who gave sugarcane to Iqbalpur sugar mill are in big trouble. Despite agitation by the farmers many times, the mill failed to clear the cane dues. This has enraged the farmers, and they claim that both government and sugar mill is cheating them. Sugarcane farmers claim that their financial condition is worsening day-by-day as they have not received dues from mills. Farmers assert that they are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children.

After mill failed to pay arrears, the government started auctioning of the mill’s sugar but failed to attract the buyers due to stringent bidding rules.

Demand to produce ethanol from closed sugar mills

Kolhapur: Shamrao Desai, leader of Jaiv Indhan Kisan Sangh in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged that over 150 sugar factories closed in the country for various reasons, therefore the central government should take initiative to produce ethanol directly from sugarcane in such factories.

The price of ethanol increased since the BJP came into power. He said this step will help sugarcane farmers.

Recently, the Indian government increased the price of ethanol from C heavy molasses from Rs.43.46 per litre to Rs.43.75 per litre, and the cost of ethanol from B heavy molasses hiked from Rs.52.43 per litre to Rs.54.27 per litre. Price of ethanol from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup route was fixed at 59.48 per litre.

Also, giving further benefits to farmers and sugar industry, the Central Government has declared that no separate environmental clearance is required to produce additional ethanol from B-heavy molasses as it does not contribute to the pollution load.

Cane growers to launch agitation against Wave sugar mill

Bulandshahr: The Wave sugar mill is preparing to commence cane crushing from November 13, but the farmers are mulling to agitate against the mill for pending arrears around Rs. 39 crores.

The agitation is led by Ganna Kisan Sangharsh Samiti. Sangram Singh, president of the organisation, said, “If mill will delay in starting the crushing season and or fails to clear the pending arrears before commencement, then we will launch demonstration against the mill. If required, then we will also lodge a complaint against the mill to state CM.”

The mill run by Wave Company was earlier owned by the UP government. It was sold to the company during the BSP regime for a mere Rs 29 crore. The mill stopped functioning after two years but had to continue after farmers launched an agitation. But mill failed to clear the cane dues citing financial scarcity as a reason.

Devrai Singh, an officer attached with the Wave sugar mill, said that the mill has completed the process to start crushing season and is planning to pay farmers their dues as early as possible.

D K Saini, district cane officer, Bulandshahar said, “The mill will start crushing, and we have issued orders to the mill in this regard. The farmers need not be a worry as we ensure that the mill administration will clear all their dues soon.”

Cooperative sugar mills in Punjab to commence crushing season after November 10

Chandigarh: Like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, sugar mills in Punjab are too gearing to commence the sugarcane crushing season. State Cooperation Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said that cooperative sugar mills have been instructed to ensure timely crushing of sugarcane. As per the availability of labour workforce for harvesting sugarcane, cooperative mills would begin the news season after November 10.

Randhawa directed the mills to complete the trials of the plant and machinery by November 1 and be prepared for starting the crushing process by November 10.

Earlier, there was demand from the sugarcane farmers to increase State advised price (SAP) of sugarcane for new season, but it will remain unchanged. Farmers have expressed displeasure over this.

Sugarcane farmers advised to use fertilizer according to soil healthcare by conducting soil test

Lucknow: Commissioner, Cane and Sugar Shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy told that Cooperative Cane Development Societies will ensure distribution of fertilizers to sugarcane farmers as per the recommendation of the soil health card. It is notable that the use of fertilizers in balanced quantities has important contribution in increasing the sugarcane production, sugarcane productivity and sugar recovery along with providing stability to fertility of land.

A Soil Health Card is used to assess the current status of soil health. A Soil Health Card displays soil health indicators and associated descriptive terms. The indicators are typically based on farmers practical experience and knowledge of local natural resources. The card lists soil health indicators that can be assessed without the aid of technical or laboratory equipment.

Cane Commissioner also said that the use of soil health card will reduce the use of fertilizers by 25 percent, the income of farmers will increase by 4.3 percent. The fertility and natural properties of the soil are maintained by using adequate amount of nutrients/fertilizer and due to reduced leaching, there is no pollution of soil and water and it also helps in conservation of environment.

Giving information about the use of soil testing, the Cane Commissioner said that for this purpose, the targets for daily soil testing has been set for soil testing laboratories set up in cooperative and private sector sugar mills of the state and in this important function Soil Testing Laboratory of Shahjahapur Unit of Uttar Pradesh Sugarcane Research Council Shahjahapur Has been tied up.

In order to fulfill the objectives of the scheme of Soil Health Card and awareness among sugarcane farmers, the department has issued notice to Regional officers to spread awareness about soil health card and soil testing related information up to grass root level.

Sugarcane farmers launch agitation for their demands

Moradabad: Ahead of starting the crushing season, sugarcane farmers have gathered in huge numbers outside the deputy sugarcane commissioner office in and have launched an agitation. The farmers say that they will not call off agitation until their demands are accepted.

Harpal Singh Chaudhary, president of the Bhartiya Kisan Union Asli, said, “Government is failing to implement the provisions under sugarcane control act regarding recovery of pending arrears from mills. The government officers have become tools of the millers to exploit farmers. We will not stop until the government accepts our demands.”

Allahabad High Court had set October 15 deadline to clear cane dues, but mills in the state failed to abide it. UP Chief Minister CM Yogi Adityanath had served another date of October 31 for mills to clear the cane arrears, but millers failed to pay the bills.

2 sugar mills face action for selling excessive sugar quota

The Central Government had reintroduced the Monthly Release Mechanism last year to control supply of sugar and ensure stability in pricing. The central government also fixed the minimum selling price (MSP) of sugar and instructed mills to adhere to the directive.

The notification passed on the 7th Day of June 2018 mentioned that any violation of the order would attract penal provisions under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 as amended from time to time.

The Department had been constantly auditing the sales of mills. Show Cause Notices (SCNs) was issued to the sugar mills for violation of stock holding order for the month of June 2019. Except 2 sugar mills, replies to SCNs have been received from other sugar mills which are under examination. The excess quantity sold by the said 2 sugar mills have been deducted from the proposed allocation in the month of November 2019.

Maharashtra: Fewer sugar mills to participate in cane crushing season this year

Kolhapur: The excess rainfall in Western Maharashtra and drought in Marathwada has resulted in the reduction of the number of applications for cane crushing license. According to the reports, only 159 mills from cooperative as well as the private sector have applied for crushing license as against 195 sugar mills in sugar season 2018-2019. Media reports suggest that many mills applied for crushing licence out of political compulsions; therefore actual number may fall.

Sugar mills in the state for season 2019-20 may face difficulty in getting a crushing license. To ensure the early payment for sugarcane farmers, Maharashtra government has decided that sugar mills would be issued crushing licences only if they agree to pay fair and remunerative price (FRP) dues to cane growers within 14 days.

Flood in Pune, Sangli, Satara, Solapur and Kolhapur districts, the sugar belt of Maharashtra, have majorly hit the sugarcane crops, which will ultimately be going to impact the sugarcane production in Maharashtra. Also, farmers have uprooted sugarcane in the severely drought-affected regions of the state to feed their animals as other green fodders were not available. It will also likely to impact sugar output in Maharashtra.

Four arrested for looting sugar trader

Madanganj (Ajmer): Madanganj police have arrested four suspects for allegedly looting a sugar trader Pawan Rathi based in the Sindhi colony. All the arrested criminals are habitual offenders.

According to the reports, seven more people were involved in the crime and police are searching for their whereabouts as they are absconding. The suspects have taken the help of locals while committing the crime. Police are yet to recover the cash that the culprit had stolen and are investigating with the suspects to recover the amount.

Due to the festive season, sugar trader Pawan Rathi had a huge amount of cash in his house. Taking advantage of this, the robbers looted him on October 19. In a complaint given to police, robbery of 12 lakh rupees was registered.

Though police have arrested the accused, but are yet to recover the looted amount.

Uncertainty over Triveni sugar mill’s crushing season

Deoband: The uncertainty over the cane crushing of Triveni sugar mill continues as the workers are adamant on demanding full bonus. Angry mill workers have been on strike since October 21. The workers said that the five of the seven mills of Triveni Group were given a bonus at the rate of 20 per cent, i.e. Rs 16800, but the Deoband unit is giving bonus as per 8.33 per cent. We will not tolerate this discrimination and will continue our agitation till we don’t get a 20 per cent bonus.

The mill was supposed to start crushing season from October 30, but workers bonus issue has affected its functioning. The agitating workers allege that the mill has not hiked salaries in the last few years and now cutting the bonus amount.

Workers in Deoband unit accused management of doing discrimination amongst the workers. Refuting the mill workers claim, Dinanath Mishra, vice president of the sugar mill, said that the bonus is being given according to the balance seat of 2018-19. No discrimination has been made against any employee.

Workers in Deoband unit accused management of doing discrimination amongst the workers. Refuting the mill workers claim management said that the bonus is being given according to the balance seat of 2018-19. No discrimination has been made against any employee.

Six sugar mills in Bijnor district to commence cane crushing from first week of November

Bijnor: Sugar mills in Bijnor district are all set to begin the crushing season. More than 93 per cent of purchasing centres have been set up by sugar mills in the district. The Bilai sugar mill from Tuesday has already started weighing at purchasing centres.

According to the reports, by the first week of November, six of the nine sugar mills in the district will start crushing. Bilai sugar mill will commence crushing season from October 31. Cane crushing will begin from November 1 at Sayohara, Dhampur sugar mills. And on the other hand, the crushing season will start from November 4 at Bundki and Bahadarpur sugar mill. The Najibabad sugar mill of the cooperative sector will start crushing from November 5.

Other sugar mills have been instructed to start crushing season by November 10.

Cane growers to launch agitation against Wave sugar mill

Bulandshahr: The Wave sugar mill is preparing to commence cane crushing from November 13, but the farmers are mulling to agitate against the mill for pending arrears around Rs. 39 crores.

The agitation is led by Ganna Kisan Sangharsh Samiti. Sangram Singh, president of the organisation, said, “If mill will delay in starting the crushing season and or fails to clear the pending arrears before commencement, then we will launch demonstration against the mill. If required, then we will also lodge a complaint against the mill to state CM.”

The mill run by Wave Company was earlier owned by the UP government. It was sold to the company during the BSP regime for a mere Rs 29 crore. The mill stopped functioning after two years but had to continue after farmers launched an agitation. But mill failed to clear the cane dues citing financial scarcity as a reason.

Devrai Singh, an officer attached with the Wave sugar mill, said that the mill has completed the process to start crushing season and is planning to pay farmers their dues as early as possible.

D K Saini, district cane officer, Bulandshahar said, “The mill will start crushing, and we have issued orders to the mill in this regard. The farmers need not be a worry as we ensure that the mill administration will clear all their dues soon.”

No separate environmental clearance required to produce additional Ethanol from B-heavy molasses

New Delhi: Giving further benefits to farmers and sugar industry, the Central Government has declared that no separate environmental clearance is required to produce additional ethanol from B-heavy molasses as it does not contribute to the pollution load. The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar announced this in a tweet today.

With various incentives provided by the Government of India, sugar mills are expected to undertake production of ethanol from B-heavy Molasses and other by-products/products, resulting in incidental increase in the production of ethanol without any increase in the total pollution load in the existing distilleries or sugar mills to which environmental clearance have already been granted.

To obviate the need for undertaking fresh Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or public consultation in all such cases of increase in production capacity, the government has given a clarification relating to issuance of environmental clearance in order to facilitate the sugar mills to undertake additional production of ethanol from B-heavy Molasses in place of using C-heavy Molasses without any increase in the total pollution load.

It has been clarified that all such proposals intended to undertake additional production of ethanol from B-heavy Molasses/Sugar cane juice/ Sugar syrup/ Sugar, may be considered under the provisions of 7 (ii) (a) of EIA Notification, 2006 by the concerned Expert Appraisal Committee for grant of environmental clearance.

Tamil Nadu CM urges Nirmala Sitharaman to take urgent steps to revive sugar industry

Chennai: Tamil Nadu sugar industry is in deep crisis, and they are awaiting financial assistance to come on track. State Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami has written a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to take immediate steps to revive the sugar industry. As many as 4 lakh farmers are affected due to the bad condition of the sugar industry in the state.

Recently, Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had assured Tamil Nadu sugar industry to revive when she met the representatives of the sugar sector in Chennai.

Sugar producers from the state have requested a relief package to come out of this grim situation. Drought in the state has impacted the sugarcane production. The cane shortage has affected the mills as many were forced to shut it. Drought impact is likely to persist in season 2019-2020 too.

Sugar smuggling halts production in Germany mill

Smuggling of sugar has affected the sales of sugar in Moldova. It has forced Germany’s Sudzucker to suspend the activity of its factory in Falesti. The factory will remain shut till April 2021 as the sale has been reduced in the market.

Sudzucker Moldova stated in a press release that sales in Moldova dropped due to the smuggling of tens of thousands of tonnes of sugar, while sales to the EU under Moldova’s free trade agreement plunged as well because of the oversupply on the European market.

The company is a leading producer of sugar from beet in the Republic of Moldova. The company owns three factories, two are in Drochia and one in Falesti. The company had in 2018 produced 52,000 tonnes of sugar which accounts for 70% of total production in Moldova.

Government plans to roll out new scheme for payment of cane arrears

New Delhi: The central government is planning to roll out a new scheme that will address the issue of pending cane arrears. The government is planning to force mills to increase deposits with the banks and make provisions for the separate amounts for clearing pending arrears.
Few mills in India already started crushing operations, whereas others will commence soon.

In sugar season 2019-2020, sugar production is likely to fall. Flood and drought situation in Maharashtra will hamper the country’s sugar production calculation. According to the reports, sugar output in the country is forecasted at 28-29 million tonnes. Whereas in season 2018-2019, mills in India produced 33.1 million tonnes of sugar.

The crushing has begun, but the millers are yet to pay the arrears. Sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh owe maximum cane dues around Rs Rs 4000 crore.

Ministry clarifies government did not issue any Advt for opening of dealership of petroleum products

New Delhi: It has come to the notice of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas that some unscrupulous persons, by using name and logo of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural gas, have issued Approval Letter for opening Gas Agency dealership/ distributorship through LPG VITARAK KENDRA.

Union Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has clarified that Government of India does not issue any advertisement for the opening of dealership/distributorship of petroleum products. It is further informed that Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas does not have any role in appointment/ awarding of dealership/distributorship. The Oil Marketing Companies, based on feasibility study, identify the locations and issue advertisement of dealers, as per the respective selection guidelines.

Accordingly, the general public is advised not to take notice of such advertisement/ approval letter.

Crushing season will commence on time: Suresh Rana

Meerut: BJP has succeeded in bringing good days for sugarcane farmers, said sugarcane minister Suresh Rana. He was on the visit to Ramala sugar mill to look after the preparations done for starting cane crushing. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be inaugurating the crushing season of the mill.

He assured sugarcane farmers that mills would commence crushing season on time.

Rana said, “BJP took various steps which helped the farmers to get their dues. During the BSP and SP reign, farmers had suffered a lot, and we have improved the situation.”

Bhimashankar sugar mill to increase cane crushing capacity

Pune: Bhimashankar cooperative sugar mill will increase its cane crushing capacity to 6000 tonnes. The mill will also start ethanol production and is setting up a distillery for the same, informed Dilip Walse Patil, chairman of the mill.

“During the last crushing season, we crushed 8,12,990 tonnes of sugarcane for 180 days and produced 9,62,475 quintal of sugar with the recovery of 11.85 per cent. This year the situation is different. Drought and excessive rainfall impacted the sugarcane; therefore, this year, sugarcane production will decline, and less sugarcane will be available for crushing. This year we have set a target of crushing 5.50 lakh tonne sugarcane,” he said.

Sugarcane scarcity to impact sugar mills in Maharashtra

Pune: According to the reports, the sugarcane crushing season in Maharashtra is likely to last for three months due to sugarcane shortage.

Flood in Pune, Sangli, Satara, Solapur and Kolhapur districts, the sugar belt of Maharashtra, have majorly hit the sugarcane crops, which will ultimately be going to impact the sugarcane production in Maharashtra. Also, farmers have uprooted sugarcane in the severely drought-affected regions of the state to feed their animals as other green fodders were not available. It will also likely to impact sugar output in Maharashtra.

According to a report published in the leading news website, 159 sugar mills had applied for the license for cane crushing. The delay in forming the government is affecting the crushing season. The season may be delayed to November end or early December.”

Last year Maharashtra had produced 107 lakh tonne of sugar by crushing 952.11 lakh tonne of sugarcane. This year sugar production in the state is likely to fall.

Maharashtra: Seventy sugar mills in crisis

Pune: As many as 70 sugar mills in the state are in crisis said Maharashtra State Cooperative Sugar Factories Federation (MSCSFF) chairman Jayprakash Dandegaonkar. He was speaking at a conference organised in Someshwarnagar of Baramati taluka by Someshwar sugar mill and MSCSFF.

Addressing the gathering, he said, “The sugar sector is reeling under a financial crisis from the last five years. For one quintal sugar production cost is Rs 3,400, whereas the selling price is Rs 3,100. We are moving towards increasing ethanol production and are trying to come out of the financial crisis.”

Flood in Pune, Sangli, Satara, Solapur and Kolhapur districts, the sugar belt of Maharashtra, have majorly hit the sugarcane crops, which will ultimately be going to impact the sugarcane production in Maharashtra. Also, farmers have uprooted sugarcane in the severely drought-affected regions of the state to feed their animals as other green fodders were not available. It will also likely to impact sugar output in Maharashtra.

Cane crushing license only after confirming no pending arrears

Kolhapur: Sugar commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad assured the delegation of farmers’ organisation ‘Ankush’ that met him that his office would grant the cane crushing license to the sugar mills that have fully paid FRP to the farmers. They have demanded to block licenses of the mills that have failed to pay FRP to farmers.

“We cannot stop any mill from getting the crushing license but will ensure and give priority to the mill that has fully paid FRP to farmers,” said Gaikwad.

The rule mandates that FRP amount should be deposited to the cane growers bank accounts within 14 days after the sugarcane harvest is handed over to the mills’ owners, but they failed to do so. Sugar mills claim low sugar prices and poor financial condition as a reason in delay in clearing the cane dues.

Sugar production in Uttar Pradesh is estimated at 120 lakh tons

New Delhi: Sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh commenced the crushing season, and many mills will start soon. According to the state government’s projection, in 2019-2020 sugar season, 121 sugar mills may participate in cane crushing. According to the reports, 13 mills in the state have crushed 1.88 lakh tons sugarcane and produced 15,000 tons new sugar at an average recovery of 8 per cent.

In a press release, ISMA said, “The sugarcane acreage in Uttar Pradesh, the leading sugarcane and sugar producing state in the country is seen to be slightly lower, as compared to 2018-19 sugar season. Taking into account the crop condition, weather conditions and area under the high yielding cane varieties in the state, an improvement in yield per hectare is expected. Hence, sugar production in Uttar Pradesh in 2019-20 Sugar Season is estimated to be around 120 lakh tons, which is more or less at the same level of 118.21 lakh tons produced in 2018-19 Sugar Season.”

Sugarcane farmers in the state are worried as their past dues have not been cleared yet, and the new season is almost commenced. Many sugar mills in the state owe cane dues to farmers.

Issuing warning against the defaulter sugar mills, UP government had set a deadline of October 31 to pay all the arrears of sugarcane farmers. But they failed to pay the dues before the deadline. Commissioner, Sugar and Cane, Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy issued a stern direction to sugar mills to clear all cane dues before starting the crushing season.

Indian Navy prepared for relief operations in the wake of Cyclone ‘Maha’

New Delhi: With cyclone ‘Maha’ over East Central Arabian Sea intensifying into an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm, the Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy is prepared to undertake Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations along Gujarat and North Maharashtra Coast, if required.

Four warships of the Western Naval Command have been loaded with HADR relief materials like food packets, water, medical supplies and other essential commodities. Naval units of the Gujarat Naval Area are also prepared with Emergency Response Teams equipped with underwater diving equipment and inflatable boats. In addition, naval aircraft and helicopters are also on standby to undertake any survey and air rescue operations. Naval authorities in Gujarat are in constant liaison with civil authorities to ensure seamless coordination.

Cyclone ‘Maha’, currently heading Northwestwards in the Central Arabian Sea, is expected to recurve sharply by mid-day 05 Nov 19 and approach the Gujarat Coast. It is expected to make landfall near Veraval by the night of 06 Nov 19 as a Cyclonic Storm with winds of the order of 35 – 40 Knots. Consequently, rough to very rough sea conditions are likely to effect East Central Arabian Sea and heavy rain with thunder and lightning is expected to effect South Gujarat and North Maharashtra areas.

Karnataka committed to ensure FRP payment: Sugar Minister C T Ravi

Bengaluru: Like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, sugarcane arrears has remained a major issue in Karnataka too. Sugarcane farmers in the state are under stress due to non-payment of pending cane dues. Following which, they have intensified their protest against mills and government.

Minister for Kannada and Culture, Tourism and Sugar C.T. Ravi assured the cane growers that state was committed to ensuring payment of FRP (Fair and Remunerative Price). He sought details on crop loss and FRP paid.

Karnataka is already impacted by drought and flood, following which the sugarcane production will be affected. Therefore the state has decided to ban cane selling to other states. Flood has caused massive loss to the cane growers in Belagavi district. Sugarcane farmers who are already stressed with pending sugarcane arrears are now in the state of shock and struggling to come back on a track.

Sugar mill to equip premises with CCTV cameras

Azamgarh: Now all the activities in the premises of Sathiaon sugar mill will be monitored. About a dozen CCTV cameras will be installed by the mill administration to strengthen the security in the mill area.

Sugar mill will commence cane crushing from November 15. Mill aims to crush 50 lakh quintals sugarcane. To ensure crushing season goes smoothly, the mill is taking every step. At present, a total of 45 sugarcane weighing centres have been set up. The calendar describing all the events related to sugarcane crushing will be released on November 7 for the ease of farmers.

Sugarcane farmers demand sugar mills to start cane crushing in second week of November

Yamunanagar: Cane growers in Haryana claim that the sugarcane price what they get is low, therefore there is a need to increase it. The farmers have written to the state government to increase the sugarcane rates by Rs 50 per quintal.

Last year, in Haryana, the rate of an early variety of sugarcane was Rs 340 per quintal. Rs 335 was the rate of mid-variety, and Rs 330 was the rate of a late variety of sugarcane.

A farmer has written a letter to Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar stating that the farmers are facing financial scarcity as their paddy crop is being purchased at a low rate as compared with last year. Now farmers can survive if mills buy their sugarcane crop with the hike of Rs 50 per quintal.

Farmers could sow their wheat crop on time after harvesting their sugarcane crop, therefore they have also demanded sugar mills to start cane crushing in the second week of November.

In the month of July, Central government kept Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane unchanged at Rs 275 per quintal for 2019-20 crushing season for a basic recovery rate of 10 per cent as sugar mills in India claimed that they are finding it difficult to pay FRP of sugarcane as the average production cost of sugar is 35 to 36 rupees per kg as against the MSP of 31 rupees per kg.

“Domestic sugar prices are likely to gain stability inspite of no major festivals in November” M.D. – NFCSF

Past a few months the sugar millers across the country have been striving hard to sell sugar which has been influenced with weak selling, cane arrears and incessant rains in majority states despite various measures taken by the Government.

In a conversation with ChiniMandi.com, Mr.Prakash Naiknavare, Managing Director of National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories expressed his views on the announced quota for sugar sale in November 2019. He said, “In my opinion, November quota of 20.50 LMT is in line with average of actual sales/dispatches of November of last 6 year’s which was 18.75 LMT. No doubt there aren’t any majorPrakash Naiknavare

festivals in November, but export deals in progress would create positive sentiments to stabilise domestic sugar prices”

In a notification issued on 31st day of October 2019, the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) has allocated 20.5 LMT monthly sugar quota for November 2019 along with added incentivized quota to those mills who have completed their export targets under MIEQ. The allocated quota of November 2019 is 1.5 LMT lower than the preceding year’s November month quota that stood at 22 LMT.

New MLAs asked to focus on improving sugar sector

Kolhapur: KDCC chairman and NCP MLA Hasan Mushrif asked the newly-elected MLAs to focus on the improvement of sugarcane sector.

He was speaking at a felicitation programme of newly elected MLAs organised by Kolhapur District Credit Cooperative bank in Kolhapur.

“The sugar sector is reeling under financial pressure due to high production and falling sugar prices in the market. Now it is the responsibility of the newly-elected MLAs to focus on developing the reeling sugar sector and ensure that cane farmers get a good return for their produce.

MP Sanjay Mandlik, MLAs Vinay Kore and Rajendra Patil Yadravkar were present on the occasion.

Raju Shetti sets November 5 deadline

Kolhapur: Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana President Raju Shetti has warned state government to complete damage assessment of the crops including sugarcane by November 5 and has threatened to launch a statewide agitation if the government fails to do so. He said, “Heavy rainfall in the state has damaged crops. The government has not yet completed the assessment of the crops. The insurance companies pay for damages only after assessment and farmers are facing problems as their standing crops are decaying, and they are left with no funds to pay bank loans.” “We are organising Sugarcane conference on November 3 in which we will felicitate our MLA Devendra Bhuyar. We will wait till November 5 and then launch Swabhimani style agitation if the government fails to complete Panchnamas,” Shetti further added.

Uttar Pradesh CM to address sugarcane farmers on November 4

Baghpat: The new crushing season of the Ramala sugar mill will commence from November 4. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate the crushing season. After which, CM will address sugarcane farmers.

DCO Anil Kumar Bharti informed that the crushing season of Malakpur sugar mill has started. The Baghpat sugar mill will start the new crushing season from October 31 and the Ramala sugar mill from November 4.

This will be the first season of the sugar mill after expansion. Apart from Baghpat, farmers of Shamli district will also be benefited from this mill.

DCO said that sugar mills have been directed to clear cane dues and efforts are made to ensure sugar mills pay maximum arrears to sugarcane farmers.

Relief for Triveni sugar mill

Saharanpur: Deoband unit of Triveni sugar mill will soon start crushing cane season as the workers from the mill have called off their indefinite strike.

Thee workers alleged that the five of the seven mills of Triveni Group were given a bonus at the rate of 20 per cent, i.e. Rs 16800, but the Deoband unit is giving bonus as per 8.33 per cent. The workers of the mill were adamant on demanding full bonus. They later agreed over the mill administration’s proposal of triple increment instead of a bonus.

Workers in Deoband unit had accused management of doing discrimination amongst the workers. Refuting the mill workers claim, Dinanath Mishra, vice president of the sugar mill, stated that the bonus is being given according to the balance seat of 2018-19. No discrimination has been made against any employee.

The mill was supposed to start crushing season from October 30, but workers bonus issue had affected its functioning. Now, the mill can commence the cane crushing with ease.

Uttar Pradesh sugarcane commissioner issues strict warning to sugar mills

Lucknow: Sugarcane crushing season is around the corner in Uttar Pradesh, and the mills are yet to pay cane dues around Rs 4,096.62 crore to farmers.

Sugarcane farmers alleged this is a contempt of the Allahabad high court order of September 16 which directed the state government to clear the dues within a one month.

Out of total 119 sugar mills in UP, three are state-owned, 24 are in the cooperative sector and 92 in the private sector.

According to the reports, two sugar mills have already started cane crushing in October. Rest 117 sugar mills have been directed to commence cane crushing by November 5.

Issuing warning against the defaulter sugar mills, UP government had set a deadline of October 31 to pay all the arrears of sugarcane farmers. But it seems mills will not be able to pay the dues before the deadline. Commissioner, Sugar and Cane, Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy issued a stern direction to sugar mills to clear all cane dues before starting the crushing season.

Control room at every sugar mill to assist sugarcane farmers

Shamli: For the assistance of sugarcane farmers, a control room will be set up at every sugar mill where an officer will be deployed who will address all the queries of farmers related to sugarcane.
District sugarcane officer Vijay Bahadur Singh said, “The control room will be set up in every mill to assist farmers. The mobile numbers of the concerned officers will be put up on flex boards so that farmers can reach out to them easily.”

Information on sugarcane weights, sugarcane prices and bank account numbers etc. will be made available to farmers through SMS on their mobile numbers at the sugarcane purchasing centres.

Complaint against sugar mill to Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath

Budaun: The sugarcane farmers delegation led by BJP State Vice President BL Verma and Minister of State for Urban Development Mahesh Chandra Gupta met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over sugarcane arrears issue.

The farmers stated that despite the Yadu Sugar mill from Bisoli has not paid arrears, the mill has been allotted maximum cane collection centres. The farmers claim that the mill has cleared pending dues, therefore they are reeling under financial stress and are unable to meet daily needs.

Chief Minister assured the delegation that cane growers would soon get their pending cane dues.

Government takes step to increase income of sugarcane farmers

Lucknow: Cooperative Cane Development Societies of the State provides agricultural inputs in loan to their member farmers taking cash credit limit from District Cooperative Banks under NABARD Scheme. For this, the loan limit of sugarcane farmers is also set, which was fixed at a maximum of 50,000(fifty thousand rupees) per member.

In view of the demand of sugarcane farmers, orders have been issued by Shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy, Commissioner, cane & Sugar / Registrar, Cooperative cane / Sugar Mill Societies, U.P. to increase the existing limit of agricultural loans under NABARD scheme from Rs. 50,000(fifty thousand) to Rs.75,000 (seventy-five thousand) per farmer member For sugarcane crop. By increasing the loan limit, cane farmers will be able to get sufficient agricultural inputs in loan, which will help in increasing the production and the income of sugarcane farmers.

Bihar to lease 2200 acre land of closed sugar mills to industrial sector

Muzaffarpur: To address the issue of lack of land for industrial development, the Bihar government will be leasing the 2200 acre land of the closed sugar mills to the industrial sector. The information was shared by the Sugarcane development minister Bima Bharati while speaking to reporters. She said that it has been decided to add the word lease in a place of sale in the cabinet proposal for amendment. The state plans to establish industrial areas on the land of 12 closed sugar mills. Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority is being given 2200 acres of 12 closed sugar mill of the state.

The government is in the final phase of setting up of industrial sector on the land of 12 closed sugar mills in the state. The maximum land is with Motipur sugar mill from Muzaffarpur district which is around 900 acres. The land will be used for food processing, textile, leather, and other industrial development.

Now sugar tourism in Uttar Pradesh to boost economy

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh government is trying its best to attract tourists to boost the sector. After Pilgrimage tourism and eco-tourism, the government is planning to start sugar tourism in the largest sugar producing state.

The Yogi government has set up a seven-member committee to look after the idea and formulate a policy for this. This committee will submit its recommendations regarding the selection of sugar mills in UP, and the process of tourism. It will coordinate with concerned sugar mills and tourism department and will submit a report within a month. The committee comprises of experts in tourism as well as scientists and government officials.

Chief Secretary Sanjay Bhoosredddy said that UP is the largest sugar-producing state in the country and several sugar mills are technically upgraded and can be developed as tourist spots. Taking people to the mills will help them to learn the process of sugar making and will also help them to understand the process of ethanol making. The people are interested in these processes. This will boost tourism as well as the sugar sector in the state.

Cane harvester’s son won assembly election

Mumbai: Son of a cane harvester who contested state assembly elections from Malshiras constituency won the seat. The cane harvesters are happy that they have sent their representative to the state assembly to push forward their demands.

Ram Satpute contested on BJP ticket and garnered 1,03,507 votes as against Uttamrao Jankar (NCP) who secured 1,00,917 votes.

Belonging to Ashti taluka of Beed district, Ram’s father was working as a cane harvester attached to Shankar cooperative sugar mill in Malshiras taluka. His father sent him to Pune for education where he came in contact with ABVP and started working for the organization. While allocating seats, BJP showed trust in him and gave him the opportunity to contest an election.

BJP leader Vijaysinh Mohite Patil was directed to guide Satpute in an election, and with his skills and potential, he won the seat.

Nanglamal sugar mill to start cane crushing from November 4

Meerut: Nanglamal sugar mill will commence the cane crushing from the first week of November. The mill administration said that all the preparations to start crushing are completed, and the mill has set up 104 centres to collect sugarcane and the crushing will begin from November 4.

L D Sharma, Managing Director of the mill, said, “We have completed all the formalities and are ready to start crushing. We have set up 104 collection centres to collect cane from villages and bring them to our sugar mill for crushing. The farmers will be given the receipts as per the cane they give to the mill for crushing. The cane purchase will begin from November 2.”

Free trade agreement with EU to uplift Thai economy but will affect sugar sector

A research conducted by an independent agency has suggested that Thailand’s economy will boost due to a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU), but it will affect the sugar sector.

The Institute of Future Studies for Development (IFD) stated that the agreement would increase GDP and enhance export but will affect the dairy, sugar, tobacco and alcoholic drinks.

At a public hearing in Chiang Mai on the Thai-EU FTA on Tuesday Taweechai Charoensedtasin, IFD director said, that this will boost the GDP growth by 1.7 per cent and exports by 10-14 per cent a year.

Politician Babanrao Shinde buys Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil’s sugar mill for Rs 125 crore

Solapur: NCP’s leader Babanrao Shinde purchased Sugar mill owned by senior politician Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil by paying Rs 125 crore. The mill situated at Karkamb (taluka Pandharpur) was closed from last seven years and had a loan of Rs 183 crore of Solapur District Central Cooperative (DCC) bank.

Patil family had started the sugar mill by taking a loan from the DCC bank, but on the very first year, the sugar prices fell resulting in mill facing financial trouble which continued to increase for the next few years. The DCC bank had seized the mill and conducted the auction in which Shinde bought by bidding Rs 125 crore. Both Shinde and Mohite are the traditional opponent of each-other in Maharashtra politics.

Karnataka bans selling of sugarcane to other states

Kolhapur: The sugarcane procurement struggle for sugar mills in Maharashtra is likely to increase as Karnataka has decided to ban cane selling to other states. According to the reports, the decision was taken in a meeting between Karnataka minister C T Ravi and sugar millers. The millers from Maharashtra have decided to oppose the move.

The sugarcane cultivation has been affected following the drought and the recent floods. The situation is the same in Maharashtra. The mills from both states are facing sugarcane scarcity and mills residing on the borders of both states are trying to woo cane cultivators from neighbouring states to ensure enough crushing for the season. Mills from Maharashtra pays high to farmers than that of Karnataka which attracts the cane farmers to Maharashtra. Keeping this in view, the millers from Karnataka had appealed to the state government to intervene. Most of the mills are owned by the politicians, and the decision will affect the farmers as well. The instructions have been given to the district administrations to ensure that sugarcane is not sent to Maharashtra state.

Agitation continues at sugar mill for Diwali bonus

Deoband: The sit-in agitation of workers from Triveni group’s sugar mill continued on the fourth day for the demand for bonus not less than Rs 16800. The workers said that the government granted a subsidy of Rs 1000 per quintal to the sugar mills for sugar production and the mill got Rs 58 crore as subsidy by producing 5,73,000 quintal sugar. The mill has shown this as profit in its balance sheet. Five of the seven mills of Triveni Group were given a bonus at the rate of 20 per cent, i.e. Rs 16800, but the Deoband unit is adamant on 8.33 per cent bonus. We will not tolerate this discrimination and will continue our agitation till we Don’t get a 20 per cent bonus.

Workers in Deoband unit accused management of doing discrimination amongst the workers. Refuting the mill workers claim, Dinanath Mishra, vice president of the sugar mill, said that the bonus is being given according to the balance seat of 2018-19. No discrimination has been made against any employee.

Uttar Pradesh govt distilleries to produce 53 million litres ethanol

Lucknow: The government took various measures to boost ethanol output in the country. And now sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh are eyeing to invest in increasing ethanol production capacity.

According to the reports, the Uttar Pradesh government-controlled distilleries will be producing 53 million litres of fresh ethanol and investing Rs 160 crore for the same. The step will boost the sugar industry.

The ethanol will be sold to the public sector oil marketing companies (OMC) through ethanol blending programme. The scheme is promoted by the central government to adopt greener fuel and reduce the oil import bill.

Recently, the government increased the ethanol price from C heavy molasses from Rs.43.46 per litre to Rs.43.75 per litre, and the price of ethanol from B heavy molasses hiked from Rs.52.43 per litre to Rs.54.27 per litre. Price of ethanol from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup route was fixed at 59.48 per litre.

The Central government has the vision to achieve 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol by 2030 and is moving in the same direction.

Sugar mills hand in glove with government: Sugarcane farmers

Chandigarh: The farmers are awaiting for clearing dues of Rs 5.88 crore from Bhagwanpura sugar mill, Dhuri. As many as 140 farmers are affected due to delay in the payments and they continue their agitation for arrears from the last eight months.

The farmers had started the agitation for clearance of Rs 99.80 crore in February 2019 for the current year and Rs 27 crore from last year.

Avtar Singh Bhullarheri, a farmer, said, “The government is supporting mills although they have not paid our dues. When we threatened to end lives, the mill transferred bills of some of us into our bank accounts.” The cane growers have accused the state government and sugar mill owners to be hand in glove.

According to the reports, farmers in the region had cultivated sugarcane on 3,462 hectares in Sangrur in 2018-19, and now it is expected to grow on 2,000 hectares this year. The protest over pending arrears has resulted in a reduction in the cane cultivation area.”

Sugar millers pressurize sugarcane workers to call off strike

Gujarat: Sugarcane harvesters called off their 14-day strike after the sugar mill owners pressurized them to resume work. Around 2 lakh workers from Tribal area of Dang district, Vyara in Tapi district of South Gujarat and Dhule and Badwani of Maharashtra were on strike from September 25.

“The cane harvesters migrate to the South Gujarat which has 16 sugar mills. They were agitating for higher wages but surrendered to the millers’ pressure,” said an activist from the region.

Harvesters claim that they get Rs 119 per day and the government should pay them higher wages. “The wages we get were fixed six years ago. We are paid Rs 238 for every tonne of sugarcane harvesting, bundling and loading it in the truck. It requires the work of two persons. So per person, we get just Rs 119 per day,” said one of the agitating labourers.

“These workers were being forced each day either to commence work or return the money they owe to the sugar mill workers,” he further added.

The season lasts from October to April, and the workers are forced to take a loan to sustain their families as the wages are meagre. They return to work at mills to pay back the debts, and the cycles continue.

Sugar production for 2019-2020 season estimated at 28-29 million tonnes

New Delhi: Flood and drought situation in Maharashtra will hamper the country’s sugar production calculation in season 2019-2020. According to the reports, sugar output in the country is forecasted at 28-29 million tonnes. Whereas in season 2018-2019, mills in India produced 33.1 million tonnes of sugar. The country is likely to witness a decline of 12.38 per cent in sugar production this season.

A senior Food Ministry official while talking to a news agency said, “Sugar production of 28-29 million tonnes is estimated after taking inputs from the sugarcane producing states.”

Heavy rain in Pune, Sangli, Satara and Kolhapur districts, the sugar belt of Maharashtra, have majorly hit the sugarcane crops. Also, the deficient rainfall in 2018 resulted in a severe drought in Maharashtra. It has led to a scarcity of fodder and water for animals. Therefore, farmers have uprooted sugarcane in the severely drought-affected regions of Maharashtra to feed their animals. This has affected the sugarcane output.

Few mills in India already started crushing operations, whereas others will commence soon.

Diwali gift to farmers, workers from Chhatrapati sugar mill

Bhavaninagar: Shri Chhatrapati co-Operative sugar mill has sweetened the Diwali of farmers and workers by declaring additional payments and bonus to them.

The mill took crushing of 8.96 lakh metric tonnes of sugarcane for the season 2018-19 and has paid the bill according to Rs 2,500 per tonne. Due to Diwali, now the mill has transferred Rs 100 per tonne deducting Rs 10 for development to the farmers’ account.

The mill administration said that earlier the 5 per cent bonus for Makar Sankrant were given to workers, and now a 10 per cent bonus for Diwali.

Robbers attack sugar mill’s security guard

Shamli: A gang of four robbers allegedly attacked a security guard on duty at Unn sugar mill’s sugarcane purchasing centre in Dulla Khedi village and looted 50 quintals of iron material with cash Rs 10,000 from him. They tied him with rope and threw him to the nearby field before committing a crime, said police.

A complaint in this regard has been registered with the local police station.

According to police, the security guard freed himself with the help of villagers and rushed to a police station and narrated the incident. Police are investigating the case in detail.

Sugarcane farmers demand cane payment before Diwali

Modinagar: Along with Diwali, sugar season 2019-2020 is round the corner, but mills are yet to clear the sugarcane dues. Sugar mills in Maharashtra owe crores of rupees to cane growers.

Sugarcane farmers in Modinagar launched an agitation for cane payments and demanded cane payment before Diwali. The agitating farmers surrounded the Tehsil office and asked Sub-Divisional Magistrate for their payments.

They also raised complaints about the Electricity department. The farmers stated that the Electricity department is filing cases against them for the delay in payment of power bills. The SDO later called the concerned officials and asked them to take adequate steps to address farmers’ demands. The mill administrations have assured to pay farmers their dues before Diwali.

Sugarcane farmers launch hunger strike at sugar mill’s roof

Bhatinda: Four farmers managed to climb on the roof of the Dhuri sugar mill and launched a hunger strike for payment of pending arrears. The farmers have demanded that they will not call off their strike until the mill administration transfers their dues into their accounts.

In a meeting convened by the district administration between farmers and mill administration, it was agreed that the mill would pay dues by October 21. However, the mill has not paid dues to farmers. Following this, the farmers decided to launch a hunger strike on the roof of the mill.

121 sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh may participate in sugar season 2019-2020

Lucknow: At present, sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh owe more than Rs 4,000 crore to sugarcane farmers. Millers have begun the preparation to commence the crushing season. According to the state government’s projection, in 2019-2020 sugar season, 121 sugar mills may participate in cane crushing. In 2018-19 sugar season, total 119 state mills, including 94 private, 24 cooperative and a UP State Sugar Corporation Limited (UPSSCL) mill, had participated in the crushing operations.

Sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh are saddled with surplus sugar; therefore, they are unable to clear cane dues. International prices are also not so favourable, which can aid them in increasing sugar export. Recently addressing a rally on Sunday, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said, “The sugar prices in the international market are ruling at Rs 17 per kg. Naturally, the state mills are not able to export the commodity.”

Yogi stressed that the government had taken various steps to improve the financial condition of sugar mills. To reduce the sugar surplus, the government had announced financial assistance on sugar export of 60 lakh tonne for 2019-20 sugar season. The policy involves an export financial assistance of Rs 10,448 per metric tonne (mt) to sugar mills. The total estimated expenditure government will bear Rs 6268 crore.

Sugarcane farmers in the state are worried as their past dues have not been cleared yet, and the new season is about to commence soon.

Sugarcane pending cane arrears: Sugar mills get strict warning

Shamli: In spite of multiple warning from government, sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh are not paying heed to farmers demand to clear cane dues. Cane growers are worried as new sugar season is round the corner and they have yet not received the payment for their sugarcane.

Shamli District Magistrate Akhilesh Singh on Monday warned the sugar mills to clear pending arrears of farmers immediately or else to face action. He was speaking at a meeting conducted to take a review of cane arrears in the district.

District sugarcane officer informed that Rs 87 crore arrears are pending with Shamli sugar mill, Rs 53 crore with Unn sugar mill and Rs 141 crore with Thanabhavan sugar mill. The District Magistrate expressed strong resentment over this.

Allahabad High Court had set October 15 deadline to clear cane dues, but mills in the state failed to abide it. UP Chief Minister CM Yogi Adityanath has served another date of October 31 for mills to clear the cane arrears. Keeping in view the delay in the payment clearing process, the CM has strictly instructed the officials that all the dues of cane growers should be paid by October end.

Uttar Pradesh: Vehicles overloading sugarcane to face action

Mansoorpur: It is often seen that sugarcane is overloaded on vehicles transporting it, which is contrary to the set rules. The police are going to take action against those who violate the laws. A meeting was held between the mill officers, Mansoorpur Police and the transporters who bring sugarcane to the sugar mill. In which certain standards were set for sugarcane-bringing vehicles.

It was decided in the meeting that if more than 200 quintals of sugarcane in a small trolley, 250 quintals in a medium trolley and 300 quintals in big trolley will be found during checking, then a fine would be imposed on them.

During the meeting police station in-charge, Manoj Chahal said, “The action will be taken against trollies if fond violating norms”.

Belagavi sugar mills get November 5 deadline

Belagavi: The Karnataka government has set a deadline for sugar mills in Belagavi to clear cane dues before November 5. Sugarcane minister C T Ravi announced it on Saturday at a meeting of officials in the district.

According to the reports, 23 sugar mills in the Belagavi owe around Rs 84 crore to cane growers. Ravi has directed Deputy Commissioner S.B. Bommanahalli to ensure 100 per cent cane payment.

Government is considering to include sugarcane crop under the crop insurance scheme and set up price stabilization fund.

Recent flood has caused massive damage to the sugarcane crop in Belagavi district, following which now the sugar mills in the region are grappling with unprecedented sugarcane shortage. Sugarcane farmers who are already stressed with pending sugarcane arrears are now in the state of shock and struggling to come back on a track.

Sugar mill workers agitate over reduction in bonus

Meerut: The workers from Triveni sugar mill staged a demonstration against the lower bonus paid by the mill. The workers observed sit-in agitation in front of mill on Monday and have threatened to shut down mill if they do not pay full bonus. According to workers they have received 8.33 per cent bonus as against 20 per cent. They presented a memorandum of their demands to the mill administration and the government.

Dinanath Mishra, vice president of the mill, said, “The workers get 20 per cent bonus when the mill is in profit. As per the provision, we have paid 8.33% bonus as the mill is in loss”.

Maharashtra Assembly election: Over 44 sugar mills under BJP-Shiv Sena’s hold

Pune: Congress-NCP had ruled Maharashtra by keeping a hold on the sugar mills. With changing scenario, BJP-Shiv Sena has made inroads in the sugar bowl with clinching grip on more than 44 sugar mills from Congress-NCP hold. This has wrecked the opposition, and they will have to contest vigorously to manage majority seats.

BJP-Shiv Sena alliance has weekend the Congress-NCP by inducting the sugar barons on its side, and more are still have been flocking to the parties. In Kolhapur, sugar barons Sanjay Mandlik, Samarjit Ghatage, Chandradeep Narke, and Vinay Kore are with saffron parties, and now Dhananjay Mahadik has joined them. In Sangli, Prithviraj Deshmukh and Sanjay Patil are in the camp, and now Vaibhav Naikawadi has joined them. In Satara, Udayanraje Bhosale, Shivendraraje and Bhosle family have joined BJP.

In western Maharashtra, there are 119 sugar mills out of which 50 are private. Due to various reasons, many mills are not operational. Now 114 mills are in good condition, out of which 44 are having hold of leaders belonging to saffron parties.

Maharashtra will go for assembly poll on October 21, 2019, and the results would be declared on October 24.

Sugar price to rise in Nigeria after border closure

Nigeria has shut down its land border to tackle the food smuggling. According to the experts, it is likely to increase price of food items such as sugar.

Hameed Ali, comptroller-general of the Nigerian Customs Service talking to the media said, “All goods for now are banned from being exported or imported through our land borders, and that is to ensure we have total control over what comes in.”

According to Ali, even if there is land border closure, it would still be possible for goods to cross at points equipped with special scanners. But he did not disclose about the locations.

10 billion dollars investment to be made in setting up ethanol plants: Dharmendra Pradhan

New Delhi: After government hiked the ethanol prices to boost the ethanol production in India, sugar mills in India are eyeing to invest in increasing ethanol production capacity. Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan, expects more investment in the ethanol industry in India. He participated in the 2nd Annual India Leadership Summit of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum on Friday, where he stressed on ethanol’s future in the country.

Addressing the issues of ethanol and bio-energy, Pradhan said, “From less than 1 per cent ethanol blending in 2015, we have increased our EBP to 6 per cent. We are working on hiking the percentage even further. Bioenergy is also being pushed in a big way with the Government’s focus on ways to monetise the 600MT of non-fossilised biomass available in the country.”

“10 billion dollars investment is to be made in setting up ethanol plants in the country. The US can collaborate with us through the deployment of its technological innovations and capital resources in India and become a partner in India’s bio-fuel revolution,” he further added.

Recently, the government increased the ethanol price from C heavy molasses from Rs.43.46 per litre to Rs.43.75 per litre, and the price of ethanol from B heavy molasses hiked from Rs.52.43 per litre to Rs.54.27 per litre. Price of ethanol from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup route was fixed at 59.48 per litre.

Sugar mills in the India are saddled with sugar glut. Therefore, the government want sugar mills to focus on Ethanol production in a bid to improve financial health. The Central government has the vision to achieve 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol by 2030 and is moving in the same direction.

E-ganna app to save farmers from exploitation

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath will soon launch an ‘e-ganna’ app to bring transparency in the sugarcane sector and save farmers from exploitation in the state.

This is one more step of the state government towards digitalisation.
The app will help farmers to get details about the crop, its value and payments by the mills into their accounts.

Speaking to a leading news agency, Sanjay Bhusreddy, Principal secretary (sugar and cane development) said, “The nexus between politicians and ganna mafia exploit cane growers by manipulating their farm produce. The app will keep a check on this.”

The presentation has been given to the CM, and an app will be launched soon.

Many sugar mills in Solapur may not crush sugarcane this season

Solapur: The drought in Solapur district has affected the cane growers. Farmers have uprooted sugarcane in the severely drought-affected regions of the state to feed their animals as other green fodders were not available. The unavailability of sugarcane is likely to hamper many sugar mills this season.

The assembly election and other factors have resulted in a delay in commencement of the crushing season. According to the reports, cane crushing will begin after Diwali only.

Due to cane scarcity, many sugar mills in Solapur may not participate in the crushing season. Last season 31 mills participated in cane crushing, whereas this season only 23 mills have applied for crushing license.

Sugar mill in Mandya struggles to revive

Bangalore: Despite providing several packages, the financial distress of Mysugar mill in Mandya district continues. The mill set up by Bharat Ratna M Visvesvaraya in the year 1934 was regarded as the best sugar mill in Karnataka. Various efforts have been taken to revive this ailing sugar mill, but all in vain. This mill, which lasted for some time in the year 2017, was closed again. Due to this mill, Mandya district was once called the sugar bowl.

Karnataka is already impacted by drought, following which the sugarcane production is affected. Due to the closure of this mill, sugarcane farmers of the district are upset. The non-functioning of Mysugar and Pandavapura Sahakari Sakkare Karkhane (PSSK) made the situation worst for sugarcane farmers in Mandya and adjoining areas.

Earlier, former Karnataka CM CM Kumaraswamy had assured of initiating measures to revive the mills in Mandya, but yet there are no steps to revive the mills.

Sugarcane farmers in the state are also under stress as they have been waiting for the pending cane dues. Following which, they have intensified their protest against sugar mills and government.

Mansurpur mill to start cane crushing from October 30

Muzaffarnagar: Mansurpur sugar mill will start sugarcane crushing from October 30. The mill has repaired the machinery and performed the puja at the mill premises to start the boiler of the mill. The other mills in the district too commenced the preparation for crushing season.

As new sugar season is approaching, sugarcane farmers are worried as their dues from last sugar season have not been cleared yet.

Cane dues in the state are getting cleared at a snail pace; therefore CM Yogi Adityanath had served October 31 deadline to all mills for clearing the arrears.

Sugarcane farmers from Western Uttar Pradesh opting for banana production

Meerut: Sugarcane farming has always farmers favourite, but cane growers from Western Uttar Pradesh are now shifting their focus on banana cultivation. The profit in banana cultivation has motivated the farmers to shift from sugarcane to banana.

R S Sengar, professor, agricultural biotechnology at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Agriculture University (SVBPAU) said, “The farmers get double profit from banana as compared to sugarcane.”

At present, the banana is grown over 250 hectares in Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamali and Bijnor districts. The University developed a special variety of banana Grand Nine (G9) which takes less time to grow.

Pending cane arrears: Sugar mills to face strict action

Meerut: Sugar season 2019-2020 is round the corner, but mills have yet not cleared the cane dues in Uttar Pradesh, therefore now the administration is in action mode against the sugar mills.

Meerut District Magistrate Anil Dhingra has warned the sugar mills to pay pending arrears before Diwali or else to face action. He was speaking at a program on the eve of Kisan Diwas. Addressing the gathering, Dhingra ordered Mawana sugar mill to Rs 30 crore and Kinauni mill to pay Rs 40 crore to cane growers. He assured farmers that action would be taken against the mills if they fail to pay.

Also, sugar mills flouted the deadline of October 15 set by Allahabad High Court, which had directed to clear the cane dues with 15 per cent interest on it within a month