Even as the Centre is re-working the sugarcane pricing Bill, Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Ajit Singh has threatened to organise a “chakka jam” (roadblocks) in Uttar Pradesh on November 26 if farmers do not get the right State-advised price.
Speaking to journalists here on Monday, Mr. Singh said it came to light, at the all-party meeting called by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, that the government was removing from the proposed Bill a section, which allows for millers sharing their profit with farmers. “This impacts farmers in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu who have requested us to ensure that the provision stays.”
Therefore, the amended Bill restoring the provision for the State advised price to be paid by millers could not be tabled in Parliament.
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Without spelling out a price for sugarcane farmers, Mr. Singh said the Mayawati government announced a rate between Rs. 165 and 170 a quintal and the millers agreed to give Rs. 15 more, taking the SAP to Rs. 180-185.
“Compare this with Rs. 205-210 announced in Haryana and Rs. 210-230 that mills will give in Gujarat and Maharashtra.”