New Delhi: Amid widespread protests by sugarcane growers, only 19 of Maharashtra’s 55 sugar mills have commenced crushing operations for the 2026-27 season, while not a single mill in neighbouring Karnataka has begun, …

New Delhi: Amid widespread protests by sugarcane growers, only 19 of Maharashtra’s 55 sugar mills have commenced crushing operations for the 2026-27 season, while not a single mill in neighbouring Karnataka has begun, sources said on Thursday.Four mills started crushing on Thursday, following 15 that began operations on October 8 against the backdrop of high domestic sugar prices. The remaining mills have performed the traditional pre-season puja, with around 30 expected to start within the next two to three days. The crushing season officially begins on October 1.Farmers are demanding a higher fair and remunerative price for sugarcane along with an increase in the minimum selling price of sugar and ethanol. Protests have disrupted traffic on the busy Mumbai-Bengaluru National Highway and blocked access roads to mills. Agitators have also entered the premises of certain factories, raising concerns over smooth operations.Centre forms panel under Ramesh Chand to address sugarcane farmers’ concernsMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to protesters to cooperate so that crushing can begin early.Production from the 19 operational mills is expected to help moderate sugar prices, sources noted.Maharashtra and Karnataka rank as India’s second- and third-largest sugar-producing states.Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held discussions with farmers’ groups in Delhi after threats to block national highways. A committee headed by former NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand was constituted to examine the grievances.Farmer organisations have rejected the panel and vowed to continue their agitation.

Source: Deccan Herald