BKU Demands Rs 600 Sugarcane Price Hike in Bijnor
Bharatiya Kisan Union protests in Bijnor, demanding a sugarcane price hike to Rs 600 and compensation for rain-damaged crops.
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) has intensified its stir in Bijnor, demanding a significant sugarcane price hike to ensure farmers are not left behind as the cost of living skyrockets. Members of the union converged at the Sugarcane Committee premises to voice their grievances and put pressure on the government to revise the state-advised price before the crushing season begins.
The Logic Behind the Demand
During a press conference, District President Sunil Pradhan laid out the economic reasoning for their demand. He pointed out a stark disparity between the price of the raw material and the finished product. With sugar prices currently hovering around Rs 6,000 per quintal, the BKU argues that it is only fair for the government to set the sugarcane price at Rs 600 per quintal.
While the farmers have historically pushed for a price of Rs 1,000 per quintal, the union stated that they are now urging the government to implement a minimum hike to Rs 600 to provide immediate relief to the farming community.
Allegations of Deception and Inflation
The BKU leadership did not hold back in their criticism of the government's economic policies. Sunil Pradhan alleged that farmers were deceived last year when the government offered a meager increase of only Rs 20 to Rs 30 per quintal, which failed to offset rising costs.
The union highlighted the crushing burden of inflation, noting that the prices of essential commodities have surged, including:
- Petrol and cooking gas (LPG)
- Pulses and flour
- Electricity tariffs
Crop Loss and Financial Distress
Beyond the pricing of sugarcane, the farmers are grappling with the aftermath of natural calamities and agricultural pests. The BKU has demanded immediate compensation for farmers whose paddy and sugarcane crops were destroyed by heavy rainfall.
The financial strain is further compounded by the legacy of previous seasons. Farmers reported that crop diseases from the prior year left them in severe financial distress, forcing them to spend heavily on expensive seeds for the current sowing season.
The Battle Over Smart Meters
The protest has also expanded to include a clash with the Electricity Department. The BKU has voiced strong opposition to the installation of smart meters, claiming that officials are forcing these devices upon the public against their will. Pradhan warned that the union would not tolerate these forced installations, especially as the sugar factory crushing season approaches without an official announcement on pricing.
Rakesh Tikait to Visit Bijnor
To escalate the movement and provide strategic direction to the protesting farmers, the BKU has announced that national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait will visit Bijnor on October 21. His visit is expected to galvanize the farmers and further the union's demands for fair pricing and crop compensation.