Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government
on Sunday said restriction on import of raw sugar will be in force
till cane crushing activities continue in the state.
"We have requested the Centre that raw sugar should
not be supplied till crushing of cane is completed," Cabinet
Secretary Shashank Shekhar Singh told reporters here.
He said initially raw sugar was supplied in the state,
which led to agitation by farmers.
"In the wake of resentment among farmers, the
government restricted supply of raw sugar in the state. Later
a letter was received from Union Agriculture Ministry that
supply of raw sugar should not be restricted," he said.
However, the state has decided that the restriction
will be in force till crushing continues.
Earlier this month, on the suggestion of the state
government, sugar mills in the state had agreed not to import
raw sugar.
The suggestion was made following large scale protest
by farmers, who even attempted to torch truck loaded with raw
sugar at some places in western UP.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, November 22, 2009, 20:01