Delisting of sugar from ECL to benefit cane growers: CM

Kolhapur, Nov 14 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said if sugar was delisted from the Essential Commodities List (ECL), sugar factories could afford to pay better price to sugarcane growers.

Addressing a farmers' rally at Sangrul village in the district last night, Mr Deshmukh said about 40 per cent sugar was utilised for domestic consumption, while 60 per cent for commercial purposes.

If large percentage of sugar was used for businesses like making of soft drinks, sweets and confectionery, then why should sugar be called an essential commodity. Instead, oil should be included in the ECL, he opined.

In Western Maharashtra, dairy business was another major resource of earning for farmers, he said, adding the state government would soon take a decision to hike milk rates.

State Marketing Minister Harshwardhan Patil, who presided over the rally, also spoke at the function.

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