Sugarcane farmers exemplify this contradiction, though the issue goes far beyond one crop. In 2024–25, excise revenue crossed Rs 40,000 crore, contributing close to 10% of the state’s total budget. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) offers protection for a limited set of crops, but procurement is uneven and often delayed. Farmers who shift to organic methods invest time, labour and patience, but price premiums are uncertain. Certification costs (often Rs 20,000–50,000 per farmer) are high, market access is fragmented, and price discovery remains opaque.

Source: Indian Express January 01, 2026 03:33 UTC