<h1>Chief minister raises sugarcane procurement by Rs 30/quintal for 2025-26; early Rs 400, common Rs 390, Rs 3,000 crore boost</h1> The state chief minister announced a Rs 30/quintal increase in sugarcane procurement prices for the 2025-26 season, raising early and common varieties to Rs 400 and Rs 390 per quintal, respectively, and estimated to channel about Rs 3,000 crore additional payments to farmers. He attributed recent farmer-focused schemes and loan waivers to policy changes since 2014, contrasted payment figures for sugarcane across two decades, and credited expanded irrigation and direct bank transfers for improving farmer receipts. The remarks included political criticisms of prior administrations' handling of agriculture and sugar mills.