Mandya: Sugar factories must operate in consultation with farmers, address their concerns, and function transparently to retain their trust, deputy commissioner Kumara said on Tuesday.He said the central govt has fixed the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane at Rs 365 per quintal, or Rs 3,650 per tonne, for the 2026-27 crushing season. Kumara was speaking at a meeting attended by representatives of farmer organisations, sugarcane growers, sugar factories, and the truck owners’ association to discuss issues related to sugarcane transportation during the 2026-27 crushing season.He stressed the need for strict adherence to govt regulations governing harvesting and transportation charges. Responding to concerns raised by farmer organisations over the burden of harvesting and transportation costs, he said the entire cost of transporting harvested sugarcane from fields to factories should not be imposed on farmers. Scientific and reasonable transportation rates must be fixed, he added.The DC directed sugar factories to ensure that farmers’ interests are protected and to give priority to growers from their designated reserve areas based on seniority, thereby avoiding unnecessary delays. He also instructed factories to clear pending dues to farmers within the stipulated timeframe.Kumara said officials from the weights and measures department would conduct inspections to prevent discrepancies in the weighing of sugarcane.Farmer leaders submitted representations seeking the scientific fixation of transportation charges, clearance of pending dues, and priority for farmers from reserve areas.
