Hyderabad: The Telangana government on Saturday announced the formation of a high-level committee to examine sugarcane farmers’ issues. It will recommend immediate interventions.
Industries and IT Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu chaired a review meeting at the Secretariat. The meeting included sugarcane farmers, industry representatives, and Sugarcane Development Council (CDC) chairpersons to assess key concerns.
Decline in cultivation sparks government action
Sridhar Babu said the state is alarmed by the steady fall in sugarcane cultivation. “The Chief Minister is determined to address the challenges of both farmers and the sugar industry,” he stated.
The new committee, led by the Special Chief Secretary of the IT & Industries Department, will include departmental officials and sugar mill representatives. It will evaluate farmer concerns, examine best practices in other states, and submit a set of actionable recommendations.
Farmers demand bonus, restored subsidies
During the meeting, farmers demanded that the ₹500-per-quintal bonus for fine rice be extended to sugarcane as well. They also called for reinstating the 50% subsidy on sugarcane harvesters that was cancelled during the BRS regime. Labour shortages, especially in districts like Manthani, have made mechanisation critical, they argued.
Sridhar Babu assured that the bonus proposal would be placed before the Chief Minister and the subsidy issue reviewed. He acknowledged that many Telangana farmers now rely on labourers from Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.
Committee to evaluate irrigation and transport support
On the question of drip irrigation, farmers requested continued subsidies to improve yields. The Minister said official data indicates drip systems can boost productivity by up to 9 tonnes per acre. The committee will assess feasibility and recommend appropriate support.
Additionally, the panel will examine potential state support for sugarcane transport costs. Farmers said this adds a major burden during the harvest season.
Revival of Nizam Sugars and private mill protection
Sridhar Babu said the government intends to protect private sugar mills and involve them in reviving Nizam Sugars. “The welfare of farmers and workers will remain our core focus,” he added.
He also pointed out that Telangana’s sugar recovery rate, at 11%, surpasses Andhra Pradesh’s average of 9%. This is a promising sign for the state’s sugar sector.
The meeting was attended by TGIIC Chairperson Nirmala Jagga Reddy, MP Suresh Shetkar, Special Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar, and top officials from the industries and sugar departments. Several farmers and CDC representatives were also present.
At the review meeting held at the Secretariat, stakeholders highlighted key challenges faced by sugarcane farmers, from declining cultivation, labour shortages to the need for stronger incentives. A high-level committee headed by the Special Chief Secretary of the IT & Industries… pic.twitter.com/OYXEuXNc2Y
— Sridhar Babu Duddilla (@OffDSB) November 22, 2025