The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday announced hiking state advisory price (SAP) of sugarcane by Rs 40 to Rs 205 per quintal for the current crushing season of 2010-2011.

“In the interest of the cane farmers, the state cabinet today decided to increase the SAP by Rs 40, thus fixing the price of normal variety of sugarcane at Rs 205 per quintal,” Chief Minister Mayawati told reporters in Lucknow.

Last year the government had announced the SAP between Rs 160-170 per quintal, depending on the quality of the sugarcane.

Mayawati said the new SAP was fixed after keeping cost of production, prices of alternative crops and cost of sugar production in mind.

“In the interest of the farmers, the officials have been asked to ensure that sugar mills start crushing at the earliest,” she said.

She said that it would be ensured that the farmers get their fields vacant for rabi season.

“In case of any dispute, the district magistrates have been directed to hold meetings of the mills owners and farmers to sort out the issue,” she said, adding that the officials have also been asked to ensure that farmers get maximum facilities.

Mayawati alleged that there was frustration among the farmers over fair and remunerative price of cane fixed by the Centre at Rs 134.26 per quintal.

“The Centre should reconsider and change its price fixing process, as it will lead to frustration among farmers,” she said.

She said the government had hiked the SAP by Rs 25 per quintal last year.

“In the two consecutive years, SAP hikes by UP is highest, as compared to previous governments, or in fact any other state,” she said.

The CM said that her government was always in favour of taking any decision with the consent of the farmers.