Bitter story of sugar cane

, by Frontline

An inexplicable pricing regime and skewed export-import policies bring about a crisis for sugarcane farmers and consumers alike. From Rs.17 a kilogram barely six months ago to Rs.42 a kg now, sugar is fast running out of the common man’s reach. The crisis is likely to turn worse because a massive shortfall in sugar production is expected this year. The shortage does not translate into higher prices for sugarcane farmers, however. Instead of paying a high price for sugarcane and facilitating early crushing, the government has opted to import sugar. Also, the low support price for sugarcane made some farmers burn their standing crop. Read more