The rising market prices of jaggery and sugar are now reflecting in sugarcane rates as well. At local cane crushers (kolhus) across the district, sugarcane prices have crossed ₹400 per quintal. In many places, kolhus are purchasing sugarcane for up to ₹430 per quintal, bringing enthusiasm among farmers.
Around 10 sugar mills and more than 100 kolhus are currently operating in the district. Even though the crushing season has started at the sugar mills, farmers are still supplying cane to kolhus whenever needed.
In the local market, jaggery is selling at around ₹5,000 per quintal, leading to increased demand for sugarcane at kolhus. Expecting good returns, many kolhu operators have hired additional workers to boost production. Farmers say that favorable weather has resulted in a good sugarcane harvest this year, and they are getting good rates at kolhus.
Contractor Ilyas says that the market for jaggery and sugar remains strong, with kolhu sugarcane prices going up to ₹430 per quintal. Even so, the demand for sugarcane is still not being fully met.
Export of Sugar to Bring Benefits:
RahuI Singh, GM of Bilai Sugar Mill, said that the government has opened the route for sugar exports, which will benefit the district’s sugar mills. A quota of more than 42,000 metric tons is expected to be issued from this region. Exporting sugar to foreign markets is likely to push sugar prices up locally, which will be beneficial for both sugar mills and farmers.
