Centre must hike sugarcane FRP by at least Rs 50, says Shivakumar
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has called on the Union government to revise sugarcane prices to protect the interests of farmers.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday requested the Union government to raise the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane by a minimum of Rs 50, according to The New Indian Express.
Shivakumar told reporters that farmers require a price revision for sugar to receive better rates for their produce. He stated that he had written to the Centre on Friday and planned to meet the relevant Union Minister soon.
The Chief Minister also demanded that sugar factories begin crushing operations immediately. He noted that while the Centre issued directions to start crushing in September, factories had cited the need for further sugarcane maturation as a reason for the delay.
Regarding dairy, Shivakumar defended the government's decision to increase milk prices by Rs 8 per litre, noting that unions had requested a Rs 12 increase. He said the hike was necessary to support dairy farmers facing financial difficulties.
Shivakumar added that while milk price decisions fall under the government, any changes to curd prices are the responsibility of the respective milk unions.
The Chief Minister also expressed grief over the helicopter accident in Uttarakhand. He said the state government had made arrangements to bring the mortal remains of the deceased to Karnataka.