Thu Jan 09 13:12:35 UTC 2025: ## Dindigul Sugarcane Farmers Face Losses Ahead of Pongal
**Dindigul, Tamil Nadu –** With Pongal just a week away, sugarcane farmers in Dindigul district are facing a crisis due to low yields, labor shortages, and stagnant procurement prices. Farmers report significantly lower yields compared to previous years, coupled with a sharp increase in labor costs. Finding workers for harvesting has become a major challenge, as many are seeking higher-paying jobs elsewhere.
R. Ganesan, a local farmer, detailed his struggles, stating that despite investing nearly ₹1 lakh, he is unable to break even due to low procurement prices, which remain unchanged from two years ago. He estimates needing ₹500 per bundle to cover his costs. He, along with other farmers, urges the state government to increase the number of sugarcanes provided in the Pongal gift hamper from one to at least two, or even four, to boost demand and prices. Currently, they receive only ₹23 per sugarcane.
M. Ramakrishnan suggested utilizing workers from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme to address the labor shortage. He also noted a decline in overall sugarcane consumption, with people now purchasing fewer stalks.
An Agricultural Department official confirmed that sugarcane procurement is underway after quality assessment. However, the combination of low yields, high labor costs, and stagnant prices is forcing many farmers to sell their land, converting agricultural fields into plots at an alarming rate.
First Piper 