New Delhi, Aug. 23 -- A political row over rising sugar prices has intensified, with the Centre attributing the increase to lower production linked to red rot disease and El Nino conditions, while opposition leaders have questioned the government's sugar policy, farmer payments and diversion of sugarcane for ethanol production.

The development comes after retail sugar prices rose from Rs 48.18 per kg on July 20 to Rs 55.70 per kg on August 20, according to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the government was concerned over the decline in sugar production, attributing it to red rot disease and El Nino conditions that have affected agricultural output in India and globally. ...