Congress general secretary and MP Randeep Singh Surjewala has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of sugarcane farmers in Haryana, saying that cultivating sugarcane in the state has become a loss-making activity. He warned that rising production costs and low returns have pushed both farmers and the sugar mill industry into a deep crisis.
Addressing a protest at the district secretariat in Yamunanagar, Surjewala, along with several Congress leaders and workers, highlighted the heavy losses being faced by sugarcane growers. He said farmers are struggling due to inadequate cane prices and sharply increasing input costs. Among those present at the protest were MLA Akram Khan, former MLA Anil Dhantori, and other party leaders.
Surjewala said the Congress party submitted a memorandum to the Governor through the Deputy Commissioner to ensure that farmers’ concerns reach the BJP-led state government. He criticised the government for increasing the State Advised Price (SAP) of sugarcane by just Rs 12 per quintal, calling it an insult to farmers despite repeated appeals.
He pointed out that continuous hikes in diesel prices, rising land lease rates, and increased expenses on labour, irrigation, machinery and farm operations have put immense financial pressure on farmers. According to him, the cost of medicines and pesticides has gone up nearly fivefold, while fertiliser prices have also increased sharply.
Citing official data from 2023, Surjewala said Haryana’s sugarcane production has declined to 88.60 lakh metric tonnes, showing a steady downward trend. He added that the area under sugarcane cultivation has shrunk significantly from 3.5 lakh acres to 2.5 lakh acres, which is a serious cause for concern.
He warned that due to the shortage of sugarcane supply, several sugar mills are on the verge of shutting down their crushing operations.
Surjewala demanded that the SAP for sugarcane be raised to Rs 500 per quintal, stating that only a substantial increase would allow farmers to earn a dignified livelihood and support the state’s agricultural economy.
