Punjab Farmers Decline Sugarcane SAP Increase of Rs 11 Shortly After CM Bhagwant Mann Describes It as a 'Shagun'

Farmers in Punjab have rejected the announcement by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who proposed a Rs 11 increase in the state-agreed price (SAP) for sugarcane.

Manjit S. Rai, president of BKU (Doaba), insisted on a minimum hike of Rs 20 per quintal, pushing for a SAP of Rs 400 per quintal for the upcoming 2023-24 season.

Additionally, farmers are urging the immediate operationalization of mills.

In response to protests, the Chief Minister defended the Rs 11 hike, stating that in Punjab, it is considered auspicious ('shagun'). However, discontent among sugarcane growers led to demonstrations, with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha blocking the Jalandhar-Phagwara section of the Jalandhar-New Delhi National Highway near Dhanowali village.

The protests concluded last week after a four-day strike and discussions between farmer leaders and the chief minister.

Earlier, Haryana had announced a Rs 14 increase, setting the sugarcane price at Rs 386 per quintal. The farmers continue to push for better terms, emphasizing their crucial role in the agricultural landscape.