Protests by Farmers in Maharashtra over Increasing the FRP for Sugarcane

Pune. Farmers in Maharashtra and Karnataka have intensified their protests, demanding a timely upward revision of the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane and the ex-factory Minimum Selling Price (MSP) for sugar. It is noteworthy that the sugarcane crushing season for 2026-27 has formally commenced, and these protests could potentially impact sugar production.

Farmers have urged the central government to nearly double the sugar MSP—from the current ₹3,100 per quintal to ₹6,000 per quintal—and to increase the sugarcane FRP from ₹3,650 per tonne to a range of ₹4,500–₹5,500 per tonne. Interestingly, farmers in North Karnataka are demanding an FRP of ₹5,500 per tonne, while those in South Karnataka are calling for an FRP of at least ₹4,500 per tonne.

It is worth noting that in terms of sugarcane production, Uttar Pradesh ranks first, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka. In sugar production, Maharashtra holds the top spot, with Uttar Pradesh in second place, while Karnataka is the third-largest sugar-producing state.

Following extensive discussions with representatives of farmer organizations, the central government has constituted a high-level committee to propose solutions for the issues and grievances faced by sugarcane farmers.

While the committee’s report and recommendations are currently awaited, industry observers believe that farmers are resorting to protests to maintain pressure on the committee. Reports indicate that sugarcane crushing has already begun at some sugar mills in Maharashtra.