Uproar in Western UP Over Proposed Amendments to Sugarcane Control Order

18-May-2026 08:22 PM

Meerut: A proposal put forward by the Central Government to amend the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966, has sparked an uproar in Western Uttar Pradesh. Sugarcane growers are dissatisfied and angered by certain provisions of this proposed amendment, as they fear it could adversely affect their interests.

It is noteworthy that Uttar Pradesh is India's leading producer of sugarcane and its second-largest producer of sugar; the state also witnesses large-scale production of jaggery (gur) and khandsari.

Significantly, much like in Maharashtra, sugarcane is regarded in Uttar Pradesh as an agriculturall produce (crop) of extreme political sensitivity. With state assembly elections scheduled for next year, the introduction of such a proposal at this juncture could prove detrimental to the ruling party.

The highest volume of jaggery and khandsari production in Uttar Pradesh is concentrated in 10 to 12 key sugarcane-growing districts. These districts also host the majority of the production units, which remain operational throughout the year. Many of these units function through locally recognized 'Kolhu' (traditional crusher) clusters.

The new provisions propose making it mandatory for these units to register themselves. The draft of the amendment was released last month, and stakeholders have until May 20 to submit their feedback and comments on the proposal.