Pune: Farmers Demand ₹7,000 Per Tonne For Sugarcane, Protest Outside Sugar Commissioner’s Office |VIDEO

Pune: Sugarcane farmers from different parts of Maharashtra staged a protest outside the Sugar Commissioner’s Office at Sakar Sankul in Pune, demanding that the price of sugarcane be increased to ₹7,000 per tonne.

The protesters questioned why farmers were not receiving a higher price despite a significant rise in sugar prices. They also demanded that sugar price rates and sale and purchase details be displayed transparently so that farmers know the actual value of their produce.

Farmers said rising input costs and increasing agricultural expenses have placed a heavy financial burden on farming families. They demanded that the government and sugar mills ensure that growers receive a fair share of the revenue generated from sugar and related products.

Dr Balwadkar, a farmer from Nanded, said sugar prices had increased considerably, but farmers had not received a corresponding benefit. He said the situation was particularly difficult for farmers in Nanded district.

“We have come here to request the Sugar Commissioner to ensure justice for farmers. If our demands are not heard, farmers will not harvest a single piece of sugarcane and sugar factories will be shut,” Balwadkar said.

He also demanded that decisions on sugarcane prices be taken after consulting farmers’ committees. “The sale and purchase prices should be displayed transparently. This is our right, and we will not tolerate injustice,” he said.

The protest also saw the participation of farmers’ children, who said they had joined the agitation to support their families. A student from Pune said his father is a farmer and that he had joined the protest to fight for farmers’ rights.

“Every farmer has the right to receive fair payment for their hard work. If the administration does not listen to us, the protest will be taken to a larger level,” he said.

The agitation comes amid concerns over sugar imports and changing market prices. Farmers urged the government to introduce policies that protect sugarcane growers and ensure remunerative prices for their produce.

The protesters warned that the agitation would be intensified if their demand for ₹7,000 per tonne is not considered.