Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu announced the formation of a high-level committee to study the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers and recommend comprehensive solutions.The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting held at the Secretariat with sugarcane farmers, industry representatives and Sugarcane Development Council (CDC) chairpersons.The Minister said the government has taken serious note of the steady decline in sugarcane cultivation area in the State over recent years. The committee headed by the Special Chief Secretary of the IT and Industries Department will prepare a detailed report.It will undertake a comparative study of benefits, incentives and subsidies offered to sugarcane farmers in other States and submit its recommendations at the earliest. The committee will also review the request to continue drip-irrigation subsidies for sugarcane, which officials say can increase yields by 8–9 tonnes per acre.The Minister assured that he would convey to the Chief Minister the farmers’ demand to extend the ₹500 per quintal bonus, currently given for fine paddy, also to sugarcane.Published - November 22, 2025 08:53 pm IST