The State Sugarcane Growers’ Association has opposed the Centre’s decision to fix the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane at ₹3,650 per tonne for the 2026–27 season, terming it inadequate and unfair to farmers.

In a statement, the association’s State Organising Secretary Attahalli Devaraj said the price announced by the Union Cabinet for cane with 10.25% sugar recovery is lower than the actual cost of production. He noted that the Karnataka government had recommended ₹4,450 per tonne based on cultivation costs and urged the Centre to consider this while revising the FRP.

The association said the current pricing could discourage farmers from continuing sugarcane cultivation and demanded an immediate revision of the FRP to at least ₹4,500 per tonne.

It accused sugar mills of exploiting farmers despite generating revenue from by-products such as sugar, ethanol, electricity, and compost. “Mills often delay payments and fail to comply with government directives,” the statement charged.

Mr. Devaraj urged the Centre to amend the Sugar Control Act, 1966, and introduce stringent provisions to penalise mill owners who violate payment norms and other regulations.