Sugar production is expected to increase by 200,000 this year.
Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh said the forecast for this year’s crushing season was 1.5 million tonnes of sugarcane.
“If it’s 1.5 million tonnes of cane, and you multiply that by $100, you’re looking at about $150million,” he said.
Mr Singh said this would mean an increase of 200,000 tonnes compared with last year’s 1.3 million tonnes.
He encouraged farmers to continue planting more cane.
“The more they grow, the more they earn.
Mr Singh’s comment comes after the appointment of the new Sugar Tribunal.
He added cane farmers should expect a special payment soon which has been approved by Cabinet.
“I won’t be able to reveal the exact amount now.”
Mr Singh said this payment would be separate from the usual payments and was intended as a bonus.
