PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has called on the Tamil Nadu government to provide an additional 2kg of sugar per family through fair-price shops for six months to mitigate the impact of rising costs.

  • Sugar prices in Tamil Nadu have spiked by ₹20-25 per kg.
  • PMK leader seeks 2kg additional sugar per ration card for six months.
  • Sugarcane cultivation area has plummeted from 1.5 million to 0.5 million acres.
  • Demand raised to increase sugarcane procurement price to ₹5,000 per tonne.

In a significant move to address the growing economic strain on households, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss on Tuesday urged the Tamil Nadu government to implement an emergency relief measure. He proposed that the state provide an additional 2 kg of sugar per family card through fair-price shops for a period of six months to cushion consumers against the sharp rise in sugar prices.

The demand comes at a time when the domestic sugar market is witnessing unprecedented volatility. Ramadoss noted that sugar prices in the state have surged by ₹20-25 per kg recently, with current market rates hovering between ₹75-80 per kg. There are growing concerns among traders that these prices could skyrocket to ₹100 per kg during the upcoming Deepavali festive season.

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The Sugarcane Crisis: A Deep Dive

Dr. Anbumani attributed the current price hike to a structural crisis in the agricultural sector. He highlighted a drastic decline in sugarcane cultivation across the state. According to his data, the area dedicated to sugarcane in Tamil Nadu has seen a massive contraction, falling from approximately 1.5 million acres prior to 2020 to just five lakh (500,000) acres in 2025.

The decline in sugarcane acreage is a direct consequence of inadequate procurement prices and the mounting costs of cultivation.

This agricultural shift is largely driven by economic disincentives for farmers. While the Central Government has fixed the sugarcane procurement price at ₹3,383 per tonne, Ramadoss argued that this is insufficient to cover rising input costs. He has demanded an upward revision of the procurement price to at least ₹5,000 per tonne to encourage farmers to return to sugarcane farming.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the intersection of agricultural decline and rising commodity prices creates a dangerous cycle of inflation that disproportionately affects low-income families. If the gap between procurement prices and market prices is not bridged, the state faces a long-term threat to food security and agricultural stability.

Historical Background

Historically, Tamil Nadu has been a vital contributor to India's sugar production. However, the shift toward other cash crops and the challenges posed by changing weather patterns have led to the significant reduction in sugarcane acreage seen over the last five years.

Did You Know?: Sugarcane is one of the most water-intensive crops, making its cultivation highly sensitive to changes in groundwater levels and irrigation policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the demand for additional sugar being made?
To protect families from the sharp increase in sugar prices, which are expected to reach ₹100/kg during festivals.

2. What is the main reason for the shortage of sugar?
A massive reduction in sugarcane cultivation area in Tamil Nadu, from 1.5 million acres to 0.5 million acres.