Sugar Minister pays surprise visit to Malaprabha Sugar Factory

BELAGAVI

Sugar Minister Shivanand Patil paid a surprise visit to the Malaprabha Cooperative Sugar Factory at MK Hubli on Saturday evening following a series of complaints from farmer leaders, workers, and members of the factory’s management board.

During his visit, the Minister encountered a barrage of allegations about the factory’s deteriorating condition. Farmer association leaders accused the management of delaying payments to sugarcane growers and blamed massive financial losses on corruption within the board. “Some directors have looted the factory, resulting in losses of crores,” alleged Anand Huchagoudar, a prominent farmers’ leader.

He further claimed that the board manipulated sugar stock records and misused factory resources. “Despite the government's appointment of a Managing Director, the board refused to let the official assume charge and installed someone of their own choice,” he added.

The farmers' association stated they had submitted evidence to the Deputy Commissioner and filed a formal complaint with the Lokayukta. This included documents and recordings of alleged telephone conversations tied to the irregularities.

Factory officials informed the Minister that the institution had borrowed Rs 135 crore from banks and other financial bodies. With interest, the total outstanding loan has now reached Rs 160 crore.

Minister Patil expressed serious concern and emphasized that the management must act responsibly and prioritize farmers’ welfare by ensuring timely payments. He assured that appropriate action would follow after reviewing the findings and complaints.

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Basavaraj, Chairman of the board of directors, stated that rising competition from new sugar factories in the district has contributed to the factory’s losses. He added that the factory is not receiving adequate sugarcane supply and blamed the non-cooperative attitude of farmers' association leaders for the ongoing challenges.