LAHORE: Rejecting the increase in sugarcane prices, Kissan Ittehad Chairman Rao Tariq Ashfaq has urged the government to increase the minimum procurement prices of different commodities in consultation with representatives of the growers and ensure implementation on these rates before sowing of every crop.

He said they are peace-loving citizens but if their demands are not met they will be forced to march towards Islamabad on November 10, 2020.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Rao Tariq Ashfaq said sugarcane prices were at Rs 180 per maund last year which have been raised to Rs 200 ensuring an increase of Rs 20 per maund only.

While on the other hand, prices of sugar have risen to Rs 110 per kilogram from Rs 60 per kilogram last year. He said that the millers sold sugar at Rs 60 per kilogram after buying sugarcane at Rs 190 per maund.

He was accompanied by Chaudhry Abdur Rauf Tatla Chairman Kissan Ittehad Punjab and Shahbaz Cheema President Kissan Ittehad (Faisalabad).

Likewise, wheat was purchased at Rs 1400 per maund while it is being sold in the market at Rs 2000 to 2300 per maund. He was of the view that it has not benefited farmers or arhtis but only capitalists have reaped the benefit. He said those who are looking after the food security of the country are facing numerous problems.

He supported the Sugar Factories (Control) Act 2020 and said it had protected the rights of growers.

He also demanded provision of electricity to agricultural tube-wells at Rs 4 per unit and subsidized

phosphorous, DAP, potassium based fertilizers needed for the potato and maize crops.

He said the sugarcane prices should be fixed at Rs 250 per maund while wheat support price should be fixed at Rs 2000 per maund.

He was of the view that if the wheat support price is not increased it will be smuggled abroad as international prices are higher than the price in the country and it may pushed the prices of flour to Rs 100 per kilogram, he apprehended.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020