Intensified Protests Over Sugarcane Prices in Kolhapur and Sangli
Cane growers escalate protests in Maharashtra as demands for fair pricing remain unmet, leading to vehicle arson incidents.
Cane growers demand Rs 4,500 per tonne for sugarcane amidst ongoing protests.
Four vehicles were set ablaze in Sangli as tensions rise over unresolved cane pricing.
Farmers in Mugali village decide to halt harvesting until a fair price is announced.
Protests by sugarcane growers in Maharashtra's Kolhapur and Sangli districts have intensified due to a stalemate over fair pricing. The Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana is leading the charge, demanding an initial payment of Rs 4,500 per tonne for sugarcane. In a notable incident, activists stopped a truck carrying over 30 tonnes of sugar from Karnataka at Kurundwad, protesting against the movement of sugar while the cane price dispute remains unresolved. The protest was spearheaded by local leaders who attempted to distribute the sugar among farmers before police intervened.
The agitation has seen significant developments, including the halting of cane transport to the Warana sugar mill at Vathar. This action was taken in response to the mill's decision to begin operations without an agreement on cane pricing. However, after discussions with mill directors, who assured farmers of a Re 1 per tonne increase over the legally mandated Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP), the protest was called off, and transport resumed.
Tensions escalated further in Sangli district, where four vehicles used for transporting sugarcane were set on fire in the Arag area. This incident, reportedly carried out by unidentified individuals, has heightened concerns among local farmers, who are increasingly frustrated with the lack of clarity on cane pricing as mills begin operations.
In response to the ongoing crisis, farmers from Mugali village have collectively decided to suspend all cane harvesting until a fair price is established. During a meeting attended by hundreds, they expressed their determination to remain united in their demands for fair compensation, citing rising production costs and financial hardships as critical issues. They also plan to participate in a rally aimed at highlighting their grievances.
As the agitation continues to grow, all eyes are on the sugar mill owners and the state government to address the cane pricing issue. While some protests have been resolved, the larger question of fair compensation for farmers remains unanswered, leaving many in the agricultural community anxious about the future of their livelihoods.
