The Bihar government has announced a welcome increase in the prices paid to sugarcane farmers for the upcoming 2025-26 crushing season. In a significant move, the state has raised the procurement rates by Rs 15 per quintal across all three main grades of cane compared to the previous season.
Revised Procurement Rates for Farmers
The new pricing structure was finalized during a high-level meeting held on Thursday. The discussion involved a delegation from the Bihar Industries and Sugar Mills Association (BISMA) and was chaired by Cane Industry Minister Sanjay Kumar. Senior officials, including the department's Additional Chief Secretary and the Cane Commissioner, were also present.
According to the official announcement made by BISMA Secretary Naresh, the revised rates are as follows:
- Super Grade Variety: Rs 380 per quintal
- General Grade Variety: Rs 360 per quintal
- Low-Grade Variety: Rs 330 per quintal
Key Conditions and Commission Structure
However, the announcement came with specific conditions that farmers must note. The BISMA communiqué clarified that the price for cane sold at purchase centres located outside the mill gates will be Rs 20 per quintal lower than the rates fixed for direct mill-gate delivery.
In another important decision, the commission rate for the Regional Development Council has been set at 0.20% of the total sale price of the cane supplied by the farmers. This formalizes the fee structure for the council's role in the process.
Appeal for Quality and Stakeholder Interest
BISMA Secretary Naresh also made a direct appeal to the sugarcane growers of Bihar. He urged farmers to supply only clean and rootless cane stalks to the mills. This measure, he emphasized, is crucial for maintaining milling efficiency and is ultimately in the best interest of all stakeholders involved in the sugar industry, from the farmers to the mill operators.
This price hike is expected to provide some relief to cane cultivators, helping to offset rising input costs and ensuring better remuneration for their produce in the new season. The proactive meeting between the industry association and the state government highlights the ongoing efforts to balance the interests of agriculture and industry in Bihar's important sugar sector.
