Farmers Protest Intensifies in Sangli Over Sugarcane Prices
Farmers in Sangli escalate protests, demanding higher sugarcane prices as a tractor is set ablaze amid tensions.
Farmers demand ₹4,500 per tonne for sugarcane and a minimum selling price of ₹50 per kg for sugar.
A tractor transporting sugarcane was set on fire during protests, disrupting operations.
District Collector has promised a meeting to discuss pricing issues next week.
In Sangli, Maharashtra, the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana has intensified its protests regarding sugarcane pricing, urging sugar mills to halt crushing operations until farmers receive fair compensation. This escalation comes amid rising tensions, highlighted by an incident early Friday where unidentified individuals set fire to a tractor transporting sugarcane to the Krishna Cooperative Sugar Factory, causing significant disruption in the area.
The farmers are advocating for an initial payment of ₹4,500 per tonne for sugarcane, along with an additional ₹500 per tonne to be paid after the crushing season concludes. They have also called for a delay in mill operations until the Central government announces a minimum selling price (MSP) for sugar. Despite these demands, some sugar mills have begun their crushing processes, leading to further unrest among the farmers.
Sandeep Rajoba, the district president of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, stated that the District Collector, Dr. Mainak Ghosh, has assured them that a meeting will be organized next week to address the farmers' concerns regarding sugarcane prices. Rajoba emphasized that the protests would persist until the government announces a satisfactory price for sugarcane and increases the MSP for sugar to ₹50 per kg.
As part of their agitation, Swabhimani activists have been actively attempting to halt sugarcane transportation at various locations, reflecting the growing frustration among farmers. The organization has submitted a formal memorandum to the District Collector, requesting a joint meeting involving representatives from sugar mills, farmers, and the Sugar Commissionerate to discuss the pressing pricing issues.
Looking ahead, the District Collector has indicated that the proposed meeting may take place after the Legislative Council elections, leaving farmers anxious about the timeline for resolving their grievances. The situation remains tense as farmers continue to advocate for their rights and fair compensation in the sugarcane industry.
