The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution announced on 14 October 2026 that the Government of India has formed a committee chaired by Prof. Ramesh Chand. The committee will investigate demands for higher returns for farmers and a revised Minimum Selling Price (MSP) for sugar, while also reviewing weighment and recovery testing practices at mills. It will consult stakeholders, including state governments and mill associations, to recommend improvements. The release does not say when it takes effect, only that the committee will submit its report as early as possible.
Key points
- Committee will examine demands for increased remunerative returns for sugarcane farmers
- Review of ex-mill Minimum Selling Price (MSP) of sugar based on production costs and mill viability
- Investigation into sugar recovery testing, verification, and weighment practices at mills
- Assessment of weight deductions and losses related to mechanically harvested sugarcane
- Committee includes officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Consumer Affairs
When it applies
The document does not state when it takes effect.
Who it affects
- sugarcane farmers and sugar mills