www.sugarethanolbioenergy.com - "Sugar Biz Turning Sour: Gadkari Takes 🌾Rs 400 Cr Hit 📉 to Sweeten Deal for Farmers 👨‍🌾"

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced a major financial intervention aimed at providing relief to sugarcane farmers amid growing stress in the sugar industry. In an effort to stabilize payments and support growers, Gadkari said he is prepared to take a ₹400-crore financial hit to ensure that farmers receive their dues without delay.The sugar sector has been facing mounting challenges, including declining production, delayed crushing operations, and increasing input costs. These issues have resulted in delayed payments to farmers, prompting calls for urgent government and cooperative-level action.

Gadkari, who is associated with multiple cooperative sugar mills in Maharashtra, stated that the priority must remain on safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods. He emphasized that the decision to absorb such a large loss was taken to “protect farmers from the brunt of the industry’s slowdown” and ensure continued stability in rural economies dependent on sugarcane cultivation.

Industry experts note that while this move provides immediate relief, long-term structural reforms—including better pricing mechanisms, diversification into ethanol, and improved mill efficiency—are essential to prevent recurring financial strain within the sector. Farmers' groups have welcomed the announcement, calling it a much-needed support measure during a season marked by uncertainty and lower returns.