The price has been increased from Rs 372 per quintal to Rs 386 per quintal.

 

While the state government termed the increase as a Diwali gift for the farmers and their families, the farm leaders said the hike was too less and it would not meet the expenses that the farmers incur for early sowing of sugarcane.

 

Keeping in mind the 2024 elections, Khattar has also announced that the price of the sugarcane crop would be further increased to Rs 400 from the next year. The commitment towards boosting the income of sugarcane farmers underscores the government’s dedication to improve the agricultural landscape in Haryana, said the CM.

 

According to a rough estimate, sugarcane is grown on 1.20 lakh hectare of land in Haryana, mostly in the northern districts of the state.

While Khattar expressed his support for the farming community and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to their welfare, the farmer leaders said the government was playing a “joke” on farmers.

 

“This looks like a cruel joke on farmers. This government always provokes farmers to stand against it. Has the government calculated the benefits in terms of state levies it earns through byproducts of sugarcane like ethanol, power, sugar, etc. This is simply nothing,” said Gurnam Singh Charuni, president of the BKU (Charuni) group.

 

Akshay Narwal, the youth president of the Bharatiya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh, said: “Do they know that early sowing costs at least Rs 14-18 per quintal as labour cost. This is to be added to the input cost which increases every year and lastly, the delay in release of payments by mills, the government or private. You can easily decide whether the government has to be appreciated or not.”

 

“All this is just an eye wash and an election stunt,” he added. tnn

 

Saraswati Sugar Mills Limited in Yamunanagar, known for its efficient operations and timely payment to farmers, has started its crushing operation for the 2023-24 season earlier than usual. While farmers are happy about this, they are also frustrated with the lack of increase in sugarcane prices and the delay in the state government's announcement of prices. The farmers are demanding an increase to Rs 450 per quintal. Despite these concerns, the early start of the mill's operations will allow farmers to sow wheat on time. The mill aims to crush 175 lakh quintals of sugarcane this year.

 

The Ram Mandir Trust has ordered 100 quintals of rice for 'Akshat Puja' and distribution among worshippers of Lord Rama. They have also ordered ground turmeric and desi ghee. The rice will be placed in kalash before the deity on November 5 and distributed through the VHP's network. Leaflets in regional languages will be sent with the rice. Representatives of VHP from all provinces will be given rice bags to worship and distribute at different levels. The rice will be given to 5 lakh villages between January 1 and 15.

 

Speeding was responsible for 70% of road deaths in India in 2022, according to data released by the road transport and highways ministry. The country recorded a record 168,491 road fatalities and 440,000 injuries, with over 50,000 two-wheeler riders dying due to not wearing helmets. The report also highlighted an increase in violations of traffic rules, including drunk driving and using mobile phones while driving. Experts have called for stricter enforcement and highlighted the need for better road conditions. India has the highest number of road fatalities globally, despite having a small share of the vehicular population.