Sugar mills crushing cane this season have paid ₹2,170 crore or 52 per cent of the total Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of ₹4,148 crore payable to farmers.

Farmers’ organisations have alleged that many sugar mills have failed to keep their promise to pay a one-time FRP.

Data published by the Maharashtra Sugar Commissioner’s office show that 168 sugar mills in the State started their crushing season by December 15, 2020 and had paid half of the FRP. In 2019, only 22 per cent FRP was paid during the same period.

This year, 48 mills had paid 100 per cent of the FRP, while 98 have paid 60 per cent or less. Sugar mills in Maharashtra had paid 97 per cent FRP to farmers in the last crushing season. Mills paid an FRP of ₹13,149.56 crore, while dues worth ₹356.96 crore are pending this season.

The Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana has alleged that many mills in South Maharashtra have not kept their promise to pay a one-time FRP.