By Ayushi Gupta
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Yogi government's Rs. 20/quintal sugarcane price hike draws criticism from farmers, led by BKU's Rakesh Tikait. Protests include nationwide tractor parades on Jan 26 and a Bharat Bandh on Feb 16. This marks the third increment since 2017, eliciting mixed
Prior to the Lok Sabha elections, the Yogi-led government in Uttar Pradesh announced a Rs. 20 per quintal increase in the price of sugarcane. This move, however, has been met with criticism from BKU leader Rakesh Tikait, who termed it as a mockery of the farmers. In a media interaction, Chaudhary Rakesh Tikait, the national spokesperson of the Kisan Union, expressed disappointment over the marginal increase, stating, "The price of sugarcane announced by the Uttar Pradesh government today is not enough. The farmer is disappointed with the increase of just Rs 20. The farmer of the state was expecting to declare more than Rs 400 sugarcane price like Haryana, because the expenditure on farming is increasing every day. In proportion to this, the farmer is not getting the right price for the crop."
Tractor Parade Scheduled for January 26:
Tikait announced plans for tractor parades at block and tehsil levels across the country on January 26. He also mentioned that farmers nationwide would observe a Bharat Bandh on February 16. Furthermore, he revealed that a Kisan Mahapanchayat would be organized in Delhi on March 14, inviting farmers from all over the country to participate and voice their demands.
Farmers' Future to be Determined by Protests, Not Government:
BKU In an earlier statement, Tikait asserted that the future of farmers would be shaped by protests rather than the government. He emphasized that irrespective of the central government, the farmers' voices must be heard. He also highlighted the plight of farmers, stating that they are being forced to sell their lands due to a lack of employment opportunities and are becoming landless labourers.
Yogi Government's History of Sugarcane Price Increases:
The Yogi Adityanath-led government has announced an increase of Rs 20 per quintal in the support price of sugarcane, marking the third such increase since 2017. The decision, which was taken during a cabinet meeting on Thursday, has been welcomed by sugarcane farmers in western UP. The support price was first increased by Rs 10 per quintal in 2017, followed by a Rs 25 per quintal increase in 2021, ahead of the assembly elections. Over the past seven years, the Yogi government has increased the support price of sugarcane by Rs 55 per quintal.