Did Farmers’ Protests Win? Bidri Sugar Factory Revises Cane Rate to ₹3,614/ton

After sustained protests by farmer groups, Bidri Sugar Factory has u-turned on its earlier rate and announced a first-lift cane rate of ₹3,614 per ton for the 2025-26 season.

Kolhapur | November 4, 2025: In a win for farmer activists, the Bidri (Dudhaganga-Vedganga) Co-operative Sugar Factory in Kolhapur has revised upward its sugarcane purchase rate following pressure from growers.

Originally it had announced a rate of ₹3,452 per ton for the 2025-26 crushing season. But after the protests by farmer organisations, it has increased that to ₹3,614 per ton. This decision was described by local leaders as a significant victory for farmers’ agitation. It makes Bidri among the highest-paying sugar factories in the state.

The announcement was made during a press briefing by former MLA K. P. Patil, who is Chairman of the sugar factory.

Also present were the factory’s management team: Vice-Chairman Manoj Farakte, Managing Director R. D. Desai, Executive Director S. N. Ghorpade, and other directors. Farmers had earlier protested against the lower rate, demanding fair compensation for their crops. The change within a week is being taken as a sign that the factory paid heed to their pressure.

By raising the rate, Bidri Sugar Factory is reinforcing its reputation for offering above-minimum market rates in Kolhapur district.

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