India to form high-level committee tackling sugarcane pricing and mill disputes in Maharashtra and Karnataka

The Union government decided on Monday to establish a high-level joint committee within a week after extensive discussions at the Pusa campus between Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Food Minister Pralhad Joshi and about 80-90 farmer delegates from Maharashtra and Karnataka. Farmers, facing the upcoming 2026-27 crushing season, are pressing for a higher support price for cane and an increase in the sugar MSP from Rs 31 to Rs 50 per kilogram, citing rising input costs.

The ministers also highlighted concerns over mill-reported recovery figures, weighing deductions, wastage, laboratory testing and crop-insurance gaps. The announced committee will bring together representatives of the Centre, the two state governments, farmer organisations, sugar mills and technical experts to devise a transparent, scientific system that prevents exploitation. Chouhan warned that any mistreatment of farmers would not be tolerated. The move aims to resolve long-standing disputes before the new crushing cycle begins on Oct 1.