Sugarcane farmers demand government action to stop their tears

Kathmandu – Members of parliament expressed anger at the government’s handling of subsidies owed to sugarcane farmers. During a session of both houses of the federal parliament on Friday, lawmakers criticized the government’s reluctance to disburse yearly payments that sugarcane farmers are entitled to receive.

In an urgent session of the House of Representatives, Congress member NP Saud voiced frustration over the reduction and delay of subsidies for sugarcane farmers, demanding the government provide immediate payments. He noted that despite receiving three amendments, the subsidy procedure established in 2018 has not been implemented effectively. Saud highlighted that the non-payment to both sugarcane farmers and industrialists not only represents an injustice to the farmers but also raises concerns about the state’s credibility. He urged the government to develop a long-term, transparent, and coordinated policy that benefits both industry players and farmers and aligns with national interests.

‘The non-payment of billions of rupees amounts to injustice against farmers and casts doubt on the state’s reliability. The government needs to adopt policies that ensure sugar supply aligns with national interests while protecting the interests of all stakeholders,’ Saud emphasized.

He further demanded the restoration of the previous production-based agricultural subsidy rate of 70 rupees per quintal, which had been reduced, and for outstanding payments to be immediately disbursed.

The government has reduced the subsidy per quintal for sugarcane from 70 rupees last year to just 35 rupees, while farmers are owed 1.6 billion rupees. Sugarcane farmers from 13 districts in the Terai region have staged protests in Kathmandu since August 24, pressing the government to restore the previous subsidy rates and provide outstanding payments.

In the parliamentary session, opposition party lawmaker Shakti Basnet from the Maoist Center also called for urgent action to address the demands of sugarcane farmers.

‘The subsidy of over 1.5 billion rupees owed to sugarcane farmers has not been paid, and the government’s decision to reduce the subsidy from 70 to 35 rupees per quintal is another anti-farmer policy,’ Basnet stated. ‘Farmers have been protesting on the streets, undeterred by rain and festivals, but the government appears indifferent to their plight and demands.’ He insisted that the government pay the overdue subsidy and maintain the previous rate of 70 rupees per quintal.

Similarly, UML MP Achyut Mainali drew attention to the farmers’ grievances and urged the government to listen. Mainali acknowledged the recent release of 570 million rupees by the government but noted that it was insufficient. ‘I extend my gratitude, but since this amount is inadequate, agricultural leaders from across the country have been protesting in Maitighar, Kathmandu for a week. The government must promptly engage in dialogue with the sugarcane farmers to resolve the issue,’ he urged.

Furthermore, Integrated Socialist MP Kisan Shrestha brought the issue of the protesting farmers to the government’s notice. Lawmakers in the National Assembly also demanded that the government reverse its decision to cut the subsidies and maintain the previous rates, urging immediate availability to farmers.

Gangakumari Belbase of the Maoist Center objected to the government’s decision to cut the subsidies, pressing for the restoration of previous funding. ‘The government has cut the sugarcane subsidy in half. It had set a minimum support price of 585 rupees per quintal last December. Now, with the subsidy halved, I urge the government to reinstate the previous subsidy rate,’ she said.