Sugarcane FRP raised to ₹365/quintal for 2026–27; Karnataka BJP slams state over unpaid dues
Synopsis
The Union Cabinet's decision to raise sugarcane FRP to ₹365 per quintal for 2026–27 has drawn both applause and political fire in Karnataka — where the BJP's Leader of Opposition R Ashoka welcomed the Centre's move while accusing the Congress-led state government of failing to pay even its own promised share of ₹50 per quintal to farmers.
Key Takeaways
The Union Cabinet approved a sugarcane FRP of ₹365 per quintal for the 2026–27 season, based on a 10.25% recovery rate .
An additional incentive of ₹3.56 per quintal will be given for every 0.1% increase in recovery above the base rate.
Farmers with recovery rates of 9.5% or lower will receive a minimum of ₹338.3 per quintal without deduction.
Around 5 crore farmers nationally and 8 to 10 lakh farmers in Karnataka are expected to benefit.
BJP's R Ashoka accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of failing to pay its promised ₹50 per quintal share to sugarcane farmers.
Over 5 lakh workers in the sugar industry are also expected to benefit from the hike.
The Union Cabinet has approved an increase in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane to ₹365 per quintal for the 2026–27 season, based on a recovery rate of 10.25 per cent. The decision, announced by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, is expected to benefit nearly 5 crore sugarcane farmers across the country, including around 8 to 10 lakh growers in Karnataka.
Key Details of the FRP Hike
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi confirmed the Cabinet decision, stating:
Point of View
But the real story in Karnataka is the gap between promise and payment. The state government's alleged failure to disburse even its own ₹50-per-quintal share — out of a promised ₹100 — exposes a familiar pattern: welfare announcements made during election cycles that stall in implementation. With sugarcane farmers already squeezed by input costs, delayed state payments can erode the very relief the Centre is trying to provide. The BJP's political attack is opportunistic, but the underlying grievance about unpaid dues deserves scrutiny beyond the press statement.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new sugarcane FRP for 2026–27?
The Union Cabinet has approved a Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of ₹365 per quintal for sugarcane for the 2026–27 season, based on a recovery rate of 10.25%. Farmers with recovery rates of 9.5% or below will receive a minimum of ₹338.3 per quintal without any deduction.
How many farmers will benefit from the sugarcane FRP hike?
Around 5 crore sugarcane farmers and their families across India are expected to benefit, with approximately 8 to 10 lakh farmers in Karnataka alone. Over 5 lakh workers employed in the sugar industry are also likely to gain from the decision.
What is the additional incentive linked to recovery rate?
An additional incentive of ₹3.56 per quintal will be provided for every 0.1% increase in recovery rate above the base rate of 10.25%. This rewards mills and farmers who achieve higher sugar extraction efficiency.
Why is Karnataka BJP criticising the state government over sugarcane?
Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka has alleged that the Congress-led Karnataka government, under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, promised an additional ₹100 per quintal for sugarcane last year but failed to pay even its own ₹50 share, nor ensured the remaining ₹50 from sugar mills. He has accused the state of following an anti-farmer policy.
Who announced the sugarcane FRP increase at the Centre?
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi announced the Cabinet decision, attributing it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to increasing farmers' income and strengthening the agricultural and sugar sectors.
