Minister Gaddkari Calls for Diversification Beyond Sugar Production

Addressing concerns over farmer distress, Gadkari argued that the root cause is the diminishing profitability of conventional sugarcane cultivation. He suggested that merely raising the minimum support price will not solve the problem if the underlying cost structure remains unchanged.

The minister advocated for a broader agenda that includes promoting bio‑mass utilisation, developing bagasse‑derived chemicals, and encouraging the production of organic manure and other by‑products. Such diversification, he explained, could generate supplementary income for both sugar mills and the farming community.

By adopting these strategies, the Indian sugar industry could achieve long‑term stability and reduce its dependence on volatile global sugar prices. Gadkari highlighted that innovation and diversification are essential for enhancing farmer incomes and ensuring the sector’s resilience in a competitive global market.