Sugar Industry Concerned Over Proposals for Strict Regulations in Sugarcane Control Order

06-May-2026 04:02 PM

New Delhi. A few days ago, in a significant decision, the Central Government released a draft amendment to the provisions of the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966, incorporating several specific proposals. These proposals pertain to certain complex and stringent regulations, a matter that has naturally caused concern within the sugar industry.

Under the proposed amendments, a minimum distance of 25 kilometers must be maintained between any two sugar mills; furthermore, Khandsari units will also be required to pay sugarcane growers the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) declared by the Centre. In addition to these, several other changes have been introduced in the Control Order.

Comments and feedback on this draft have been invited from all concerned stakeholders. Work on drafting amendments to the decades-old Sugarcane Control Order had already been underway, as the government deemed it necessary to incorporate certain new provisions. In particular, the new proposals put forward specifically for Khandsari units could exacerbate the operational difficulties faced by these entities. The sugar industry as a whole is also expected to face challenges as a result.