To provide immediate and effective relief to farmers, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, announced the formation of a special high-level joint committee within a week. This committee will comprise representatives from the Central Government, the concerned state governments (Karnataka and Maharashtra), authorised representatives of farmers’ organisations, sugar mill representatives, and subject-matter expert scientists.
The committee will meticulously examine every technical aspect related to sugarcane harvesting schedules, scientific recovery parameters, modern laboratory testing systems, and weighing accuracy, and will submit its practical recommendations to the government within a stipulated timeframe. Cooperation from the state governments is also expected in this regard to expedite action for the welfare of the farmers.
Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Pralhad Joshi held a crucial and sensitive high-level meeting yesterday (Monday) with delegations of sugarcane farmers from Karnataka and Maharashtra. Relevant ministers from the Karnataka government, along with senior officials of secretary rank from both the Central and State governments, were present at the meeting. A meaningful, detailed, and point-by-point discussion took place regarding various issues faced by sugarcane farmers on the ground, including discrepancies in recovery figures reported by sugar mills, weighing issues, wastage, laboratory testing, and crop insurance.
Listening to the farmers with great seriousness and empathy alongside Pralhad Joshi, Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasised that for the Modi government, serving farmers is akin to worshipping God. The exploitation of Annadatas (food providers) will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He described issues raised by the farmers—such as recovery rate discrepancies, weight deductions, and the concealment of actual recovery figures by mills—as matters requiring great sensitivity.
Chouhan stated that instead of seeking immediate or half-baked solutions to these discrepancies, it is essential to establish a transparent and scientific system so that no mill can encroach upon the farmers’ rights in the future. In the meeting held with Prahlad Joshi, Shivraj Singh Chouhan decided that policy decisions regarding the resolution of issues would be formulated in two phases: short-term and long-term. Alongside the implementation of immediate administrative reforms, policy and technical frameworks will be permanently strengthened on a scientific basis.
Prioritising his responsibility towards farmers, Shivraj Singh Chouhan personally attended the meeting and steered the dialogue to a conclusive outcome. He assured the farmers that the Central Government would act upon their suggestions with utmost sensitivity and without any discrimination, and that the Modi government would continue to provide all possible cooperation, assistance, and robust mechanisms to economically empower the farming community.
