Punjab farmers rejects Rs 11 increase in sugarcane SAP, demand substantial rise of Rs 20 per quintal

PTC Web Desk: Punjab farmers have rejected Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's proposal of a mere Rs 11 increase in the State Agreed Price (SAP) for sugarcane.

Addressing mediapersons, Manjit Singh Rai, president of BKU (Doaba), stressed the need for a more substantial rise of Rs 20 per quintal in the SAP of sugarcane, aiming to elevate it to Rs 400 per quintal for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Besides, they pressed for the immediate functioning of mills to address their concerns.

Earlier in the day, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took to his 'X' (formerly Twitter)  handle stating that "cane growers will receive Rs 391 per quintal. In Punjab, Rs 11 is considered a 'shagun' (auspicious symbol), so I am announcing this as an increment in the SAP".

Following protests by sugarcane growers, the Punjab Chief Minister had earlier pledged the government's commitment to providing the highest rates in the future. The farmers, under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, had also blcked the Jalandhar-Phagwara section of the Jalandhar-New Delhi National Highway near Dhanowali village in support of their demands.

After four days of protests, the protesters lifted the dharna following a meeting between farmer leaders and the Chief Minister.

On the other hand, Haryana recently increased the sugarcane price by Rs 14 to reach Rs 386 per quintal.