Sweet Returns or Bitter Reality? UP's Sugarcane Price Hike Sparks Debate

The Uttar Pradesh government's decision to increase sugarcane prices by Rs 30 per quintal for the 2025-26 crushing season has generated a mixed response among key stakeholders.

Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary expressed his support, praising the decision as a recognition of farmers' efforts. "The UP government has upheld the sweetness of sugarcane and farmers' hard work," Chaudhary stated on social media platform X.

On the contrary, Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait labeled the rise as insufficient, considering inflation and production costs. He argued for a price closer to that of Haryana and reiterated the need for a guaranteed Minimum Support Price law. Diverse opinions marked the state response, with some leaders calling for further price adjustments.