New Delhi, April 22 -- The Centre has initiated a comprehensive review of the six-decade-old Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966, a key regulatory framework governing India's sugar sector, signalling major reforms aimed at modernising the industry and aligning it with evolving economic and energy priorities. In a significant move, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, in the draft Sugarcane (Control) Order, has mandated that sugar mills must pay farmers within 14 days of cane delivery. In case of failure, mills will be required to pay interest at 15% per annum to farmers. The move is seen as farmer-friendly and aimed at ending delays in payments.

The order also strengthens recovery mechanisms, allowing dues to be co...