The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution announced the formation of a committee on 14 October 2026 to review key issues raised by sugarcane farmers. The committee is chaired by Prof. Ramesh Chand, former Member of NITI Aayog. Its role is to examine the farmers’ demands and submit recommendations to the government.
Sugarcane Farmers Committee 2026: Key Details
| Announcement Date | 14 October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Issuing Ministry | Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution |
| Committee Chairperson | Prof. Ramesh Chand, former Member of NITI Aayog |
| Main Purpose | Review sugarcane farmers’ demands and recommend measures to the government |
| Current Status | Committee constituted; review and recommendations pending |
Issues to Be Reviewed by the Committee
The committee will examine the following issues raised in relation to sugarcane cultivation, sugar pricing and the processes followed by sugar mills:
- Demand for an increase in the remunerative price paid to sugarcane farmers, taking cultivation costs into account.
- Demand to revise the minimum selling price of sugar at the ex-mill level.
- Transparency in measuring and reporting sugar recovery rates.
- Weighment of sugarcane at mills and the process of weight deductions during mechanical harvesting.
- Financial impact of these processes on the price received by sugarcane farmers.
Why Are These Issues Important?
The price received by sugarcane farmers, the cost of cultivation and the way sugar mills measure cane weight and sugar recovery can influence the economics of sugarcane farming. A review of these issues may help the government assess farmers’ concerns and consider possible policy measures.
Has a New Sugarcane Price Been Approved?
No new sugarcane price, additional subsidy or extra payment to farmers is confirmed by the committee-formation announcement alone. The committee has been constituted to review demands and make recommendations. Any future decision on prices or financial assistance would require a separate official government announcement.
What Should Sugarcane Farmers Know?
- The committee will review the issues specified in the official announcement.
- Its formation does not automatically change the existing sugarcane price.
- Farmers should rely on official government notifications for any confirmed price revision or payment decision.
- No new application process or deadline for farmers is announced in this committee-formation update.
Official Source
Read the announcement from the Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution:
PIB: Committee to review issues raised by sugarcane farmers
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When was the committee on sugarcane farmers’ issues announced?
The announcement was made on 14 October 2026.
2. Who is chairing the committee?
The committee is chaired by Prof. Ramesh Chand, former Member of NITI Aayog.
3. Will the committee recommend a higher sugarcane price?
It will review the demand for an increase in the remunerative price and provide recommendations. A price increase has not been approved merely by constituting the committee.
4. Will farmers receive an additional payment under this announcement?
The announcement does not itself approve an additional payment or subsidy. Any such measure would need separate official confirmation.
5. What other issues will be reviewed?
The committee will examine the ex-mill minimum selling price of sugar, transparency in sugar recovery reporting, cane weighment, mechanical harvesting deductions and their financial impact on farmers.
Disclaimer: This article summarises the committee-formation announcement. Any future price revision, subsidy or payment should be confirmed through a separate official government notification.
