Amaravati, January 09, 2026: Sugarcane farmers in Tamil Nadu's Tiruchirapalli and nearby districts harvest a promising crop of edible varieties like senkarumbu this season, timed for the Pongal festival.
The state government procures limited quantities at ₹38 per piece for ration card gift hampers, with a cap of 2,500 pieces per acre. Farmers bear harvesting and transport costs, netting around ₹25 per piece, while excess sells to traders at ₹20-32, depending on quality.
High cultivation expenses over ₹2-2.5 lakh per acre plus ₹20,000+ on pesticides and labour leave many uncertain about profits despite good output.
In Andhra Pradesh, sugarcane area has shrunk due to mill closures and rising costs, though national Fair and Remunerative Price rose to ₹355 per quintal for 2025-26 to support growers. Local angles remain tough with fewer active mills and transport burdens.
