The Union government has proposed a draft framework to replace the decades-old Sugarcane (Control) Order of 1966. The proposed Sugarcane (Control) Order, 2026, aims to modernise oversight by incorporating ethanol production, digital compliance systems and a structured approval mechanism for factories, news agency PTI reported. The Centre has invited public comments on the draft till May 20. While the new proposal retains key provisions such as Fair and Remunerative Price norms, restrictions on cane movement, a 14-day payment timeline for farmers, and a 15 per cent annual interest on delayed dues, it also introduces wide-ranging changes to reflect the evolving nature of the industry.