Editorial photo #12678166 Politics
Nepali Sugarcane Farmers Warns Of Highway Blockage If Demands Not Met
Nepali sugarcane farmers from various districts protest in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 26, 2025, demanding the government scrap the decision to halve the subsidy and make payments for due amounts at the earliest. Cane farmers warn of blocking highways and continuing protests in Kathmandu if their demands are not met by August 30. On July 7, the Cabinet halves the subsidy to Rs35 per quintal, citing growing pressure on the treasury. The decision comes amid farmers' complaints that production costs have surged sharply. Although the agriculture ministry requests the continuation of the full subsidy, the finance ministry and the Prime Minister's Office reject the proposal. Last November, the government sets the minimum support price for sugarcane at Rs585 per quintal, only Rs20 more than in the previous year. Farmers say they sell their harvests hoping that the promised subsidy will come their way. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)
