Mysuru: Hundreds of sugarcane growers protested demanding better Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) from Bannari Sugar Mills citing increase in production costs in the recent past.
Growers led by their union president, Kurubur Shanthakumar alleged that the mills had reduced the FRP by crushing sugarcane stocked over a period of 8-10 months. During the last year, mills paid Rs 2469 when the sugar prices were Rs 2800 but this year they are paying only Rs 2300 though the prices are hovering around Rs 4000, he alleged.
Due to the rigid attitude of mill owners, farmers are incurring huge losses on their produce, he said and demanded an increase of Rs 500 in the FRP. Growers demanded instant action failing which the protest will be intensified, they warned.
Union Secretary Devaraj was among hundreds of growers who took part in the protest in front of Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mysuru.
