Centre Considers Support Measures for Sugarcane and Onion Farmers

The Indian government is likely to implement favorable measures for sugarcane and onion farmers following discussions between Maharashtra officials and Union ministers. Key topics included increasing the sugar MSP, boosting the ethanol quota, and addressing loan restructuring and procurement issues.

The Indian government is set to introduce supportive measures for sugarcane and onion farmers, after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis discussed these issues with Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah. The talks focused on increasing sugar's minimum support price and raising the ethanol quota.

Fadnavis outlined that loan restructuring for sugar factories, interest subvention, and direct onion procurement from farmers were key discussion points. A proposal on price regulation was requested by the Center and is soon to be submitted by the state government. The Centre also agreed to hike the onion procurement price and consider increasing purchases by NAFED.