Monday, November 23, 2009

Uttar Pradesh to continue ban on import of raw sugar

LUCKNOW, Nov 22: Reaching out to sugarcane farmers in the state, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has decided to continue the ban on import of raw sugar till the sugarcane crushing in mills in the state is over, an official said on Sunday.

The Chief Minister has also decided to convene a meeting to raise the prices for sugarcane crop. “The ban on import of raw sugar will continue until the crushing is completed in the sugar mills across the state,” state Cabinet Secretary Shashank Shekhar Singh told a press conference here on Sunday.

He said: “Taking note of the demand of sugarcane growers for a higher sugarcane price, the Chief Minister has directed all district magistrates and divisional commissioners to convene tripartite meetings with sugar mill owners and cane growers to settle a price higher than the state advised price (SAP) fixed by the State Government.” While appreciating the gesture of the Uttar Pradesh Sugarmill Owners’ Association to offer Rs 15 a quintal higher than the SAP of Rs 165 and Rs 170 fixed by the State Government, the cabinet secretary said: “Still, our endeavour would be to ensure the wellbeing of the state’s 40 lakh sugarcane growers.”

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