Sugarcane farmers across the country, including Madhesh Province, continued their protests on Monday demanding the government pay the pending subsidy of Rs 70 per quintal and clear outstanding dues.
Farmers staged demonstrations along the Maitighar–Baneshwar road section in Kathmandu, calling on the government to immediately release the subsidy and raise the minimum price of sugarcane to Rs 1,000 per quintal.
Protesters carried placards reading “Do not cut sugarcane farmers’ subsidy,” “Stop exploiting farmers,” and “Implement agreements made with farmers.”
Mayor of Balara Municipality, Sarlahi, Rama Shankar Prasad Kushwaha, who joined the protest, said it was unfair that sugarcane farmers had to take to the streets every year just to secure subsidies and a fair price for their produce. He stressed that while private companies are free to set prices for their goods, the government unilaterally determines the price of sugarcane, sidelining farmers.
Mayor Kushwaha added, “This situation must end. The government should fix the price of sugarcane only with the participation of farmers, and the pending subsidy must be paid immediately.”
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