Chandigarh, Nov. 14 -- Former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Friday lent support to the sugarcane farmers' demand for a higher remuneration of Rs.600 per quintal.

In a statement, the leader of Opposition said that sugar, which was selling for Rs.45 per kg just a few months ago, is now retailing at Rs.65 to Rs.70 per kg in the open market, an increase of 44%-55%. "Despite this surge in sugar prices, farmers are receiving no benefit. Instead, hoarders and black-marketers are profiting due to the government's flawed policies," he said.

He described the 3%, increase in the sugarcane price as a cruel joke on the farmers. Hooda urged the government to increase the sugarcane price in accordance with the farmers' demands.

The Congress...