Question : MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICE FOR SUGARCANE

(a) the per tonne hike made by the Government in the Minimum Support Price of sugarcane during each of the last three years and the demand of the sugarcane growers in regard thereto;

(b) whether the Government have ensured that the sugarcane growers have got the increased prices that too ontime through the respective State Government;

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) the action taken by the Government to ensure reasonable Minimum Support Price to the sugarcane growers in future?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)

(a): The increase in the Statutory Minimum Price (SMP) of sugarcane in each of the last three sugar seasons from 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2002-03 with reference to the sugar seasons preceding them was Rs.3.40, Rs.2.55 and Rs. 7.45 per quintal respectively. There was no uniform or specific demand / proposal from any sugarcane growers` organization in this regard.

(b) to (d): The responsibility to ensure that the sugarcane growers receive increased prices is that of State Governments. In November, 2000, the Sugarcane (Control) Order,1966 was amended to confer powers on the State Government(s) to recover the cane price arrears (including interest) as an arrear of land revenue. The State Governments may use these powers to ensure payment of SMP to the sugarcane growers, subject to Court Orders, if any.