GORAKHPUR, Oct. 31 -- Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary on Thursday said that the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to raise the sugarcane support price by Rs 30 per quintal will bring direct benefits worth about Rs 3,000 crore to farmers supplying cane to sugar mills across the state. Calling it the highest single-season increase so far, Chaudhary said the move has given a major boost to the morale of cane growers and acknowledged the government's decision to revise rates without any protests, considering the rise in cultivation costs. "No previous government had implemented such a hike in one step. This Rs 30 increase per quintal for the new crushing season will directly benefit farmers," he said while speaking to media persons after meeting cane growers in Gorakhpur. Chaudhary also alleged that the former Samajwadi Party government had diverted funds and taken loans, leading to the default of Walter Ganj Sugar Mill. He said he had discussed the issue with affected farmers during his visit. He assured farmers that he would continue to raise their concerns within the NDA alliance. When asked about the Bihar Assembly elections, Chaudhary said that the 'Mandal era is over' and that voters now prefer development-driven politics. He, however, refrained from commenting on the shortage of urea and other issues faced by marginal farmers. During his visit, the RLD chief also discussed strategies to strengthen the party's base in eastern Uttar Pradesh....