The Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers’ Association has urged the Centre to include sugarcane and mulberry in the list of crops covered under the new crop insurance scheme.
The association has decided to hold a State-level convention of farmers in Mysuru on July 5 in support of the demand, according to association president Kurubur Shanthakumar.
Alleging that the present fair and remunerative price (FRP) for sugarcane was about Rs. 700 lesser when compared with the production cost, he warned that sugarcane growers would declare a crop holiday if the FRP was not revised.
Taking exception to sugar factories not paying the arrears towards growers though there was a steep hike in sugar price, he urged the government to take steps to ensure that farmers got their dues.
The sugar mills were yet to clear dues of Rs. 300 crore for 2013–14, Rs. 110 crore for 2014–15 and Rs. 1,500 crore for 2015–16, Mr. Shanthakumar said here.
