Farmers Announce Bandh in Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara Over Sugarcane Prices
Protests by sugarcane farmers in Maharashtra escalate, threatening a bandh if demands are unmet.
Protestors demand a minimum sugarcane price of Rs 4,500 per tonne.
Traffic disruptions have led to the cancellation of 166 bus services, causing losses of Rs 5 crore.
Milk sales in major markets have dropped by 50-60% due to the ongoing protests.
Farmers in Maharashtra have intensified their protests over sugarcane pricing, threatening a bandh across Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara districts starting Friday if their demands are not met. The protests, which began on November 3, have led to significant disruptions, including the cancellation of 166 state transport bus services and severe traffic congestion along the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway.
The agitation is spearheaded by Raju Shetti, founder of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, who has called for a minimum price of Rs 4,500 per tonne for sugarcane. Farmers have gathered at the Kini toll plaza in Kolhapur, where they have camped out, demanding immediate action from sugar mill owners. Shetti has warned that the protests will escalate if there is no resolution by Thursday.
The impact of the protests has been felt widely, with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation reporting a loss of Rs 5 crore due to the cancellation of bus services. Additionally, the Kolhapur District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union, Gokul, has seen a drastic decline in milk sales, with reports indicating a drop of 50-60% in major markets like Mumbai and Pune. The ongoing blockade has hindered the timely delivery of milk, raising concerns about supply shortages.
As the protests continue, traffic diversions have been implemented to manage the congestion, with vehicles rerouted through alternative paths. However, this has resulted in further delays and longer travel times for commuters. The situation has also disrupted the movement of essential goods, prompting fears of shortages in the affected areas.
Looking ahead, Shetti has urged sugar mill owners to respond positively to the farmers' demands. If their requests are not addressed, the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana plans to expand their protests, including staging demonstrations outside the residences of sugar mill owners. The farmers remain resolute in their stance, vowing to continue their agitation until a satisfactory agreement is reached.
