DC Fauzia directs sugar mills to formalize agreements and ensure timely, fair payments to farmers ahead of the 2025-26 sugarcane season.
Kalaburagi
Deputy Commissioner B. Fauzia Tarannum has instructed sugar factories in the district to enter into bilateral agreements with farmers by October 10, ahead of the 2025-26 sugarcane harvesting season starting November 1.
During a recent meeting, DC Fauzia stressed the importance of discussing sugarcane prices per tonne, transportation costs, and other relevant terms before procurement. She directed that even if not all farmers participate, those willing should formalize agreements. Additionally, she recommended the adoption of sugarcane management software where feasible.
The DC mandated that factories must pay farmers within 15 days of receiving sugarcane, warning that delays would incur a 15% interest penalty. She further instructed standardization of harvesting and transport rates and required that sugarcane be weighed digitally immediately upon arrival to prevent discrepancies. Farmers must not be misled about produce weight, and village panchayat-wise information should be shared prior to harvesting. Only fully mature sugarcane should be collected, and factories were prohibited from employing alcoholics in any capacity.
Addressing concerns over potential weight manipulation, DC Fauzia announced regular inspections by the legal metrology department. She also directed the food department to carry out routine factory-wise yield checks and instructed GESCOM to take preventive measures to avoid crop damage from power failures.
These measures aim to safeguard farmers’ interests, ensure fair trade practices, and promote transparency in the upcoming sugarcane season.
