Sugarcane farmers urges DC to resolve all issues before crushing season begins

Mysuru

Under the leadership of Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers Association State President Hallikerehundi Bhagyaraj, a delegation gathered today in front of the Mysuru Deputy Commissioner's office and submitted a memorandum asserting the rights of sugarcane growers to Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shivaraju.

Later speaking, Association President Bhagyaraj demanded that before the sugar factories commence operations, the Deputy Commissioners must convene a meeting of farmer leaders and sugarcane growers along with the factory owners to listen to their problems.

He stressed that for the current season, the sugarcane price should be fixed at Rs 4,500. Cutting and transportation should be conducted as per the decision of the SAP (State Advisory Price) Committee. Factories unilaterally deciding the transport and cutting costs must stop. A bilateral agreement must be made between the factory and the sugarcane growers. A weighing machine should be installed in front of the sugar factory itself. Currently, sugarcane is kept inside the factory premises for more than 24 hours before being weighed, which should be stopped. Factories are also cheating in terms of sugar recovery. While 15 years ago, the recovery used to show more than 11.5 per cent, now it is being manipulated to show just 9 per cent to 9.3 per cent because payment is made based on recovery rate.

To prevent cheating in recovery, a local expert committee involving farmer leaders must be formed. A meeting must be held with the Sugar Commissioner in the district. Farmers must be paid within 14 days of cane being cut, and if delayed, payment should be made with 14 per cent interest per additional day.

Farmers should also be allowed to transport their cane using their own vehicles. The district administration must obtain the balance sheets of the sugar factories for the past 10 years and, in consultation with experts, take steps to ensure that farmers receive a share in the profits.

The district administration must take this seriously and conduct a meeting to resolve the issues of the farmers. If not, a continuous protest will be staged in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, he warned.

Today's delegation included: State Treasurer Kerehundi Rajanna, Mysuru District President Valagere Ganesh,

Honorary President Shivarudrappa, Muddehalli Madhu, Anduvinahalli Jagadish, Nagendra H.R., Prasanna Kumar H.G, Gundlachidu Badanavalu Girish and Holagere Mahesh.