Current Affairs - Economy - Discussion

The Draft Sugarcane Control Order 2026 proposes increasing the minimum distance between new sugar mills to 25 km, replacing the earlier limit of 15 km. This measure aims to prevent excessive clustering of mills and ensure fair access to sugarcane resources for farmers. By maintaining adequate distance, the policy helps reduce competition among mills for raw materials and supports balanced regional development. It also considers changing consumption patterns, including reduced sugar demand and a shift toward alternatives like jaggery. Overall, the proposal seeks to create a more sustainable and efficient sugar industry structure in India.