Fix sugarcane prices before starting harvesting, mills told

Deputy Commissioner Ikram Shariff addressing sugarcane growers and sugar factory representatives at a meeting in Kalaburagi on Thursday. | Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI

Deputy Commissioner Ikram Shariff has directed sugar factories in Kalaburagi district to reach an agreement with sugarcane growers on procurement prices, transportation costs and other issues within a week before commencing harvesting for the 2026-27 crushing season.

Chairing a meeting of sugarcane growers and representatives of the district’s five sugar factories at the Zilla Panchayat office in Kalaburagi on Thursday, he urged the factories to consult one another and arrive at a consensus on a fair price, as the crop is ready for harvesting.

Pointing to the severe drought affecting farmers, Mr. Shariff asked the factories to be generous while fixing prices, noting that sugar and ethanol prices have increased and mills are making profits. He urged them to share the benefits with growers.

A farmers leader raising sugarcane-related issues at a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner and sugar factory representatives in Kalaburagi on Thursday. | Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI