Sangli Farmers Halt Cane Transport Demanding Fair Prices

Farmers in Sangli district have ramped up their agitation against sugar mills, demanding a fair price for sugarcane as the crushing season begins. The Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana has taken a firm stance, halting transport to the Krishna Cooperative Sugar Mill and the Hutatma Cooperative Sugar Mill, asserting that operations should not commence without establishing a cane price. This protest follows the state government's announcement allowing the crushing season to start on October 15, although some mills began operations earlier.

The agitation is rooted in the farmers' frustration over the Krishna Cooperative Sugar Mill's decision to start crushing without fixing the cane price, which the organization claims is essential for farmers' livelihoods. Activists stopped approximately 40 to 50 tractors loaded with cane near the Bahe bridge, and they deflated the tires of several bullock carts to emphasize their demands. The organization insists that a price of Rs 4,500 per tonne is necessary to cover the rising costs associated with cane cultivation.

In addition to halting transport to the Krishna mill, protesters also targeted the Hutatma sugar mill, stopping vehicles in the Bavchi Phata area. The organization argues that inflation and increased costs for fertilizers, pesticides, labor, and transport have significantly raised the expenses of cane farming. They are calling for sugar mills to acknowledge these challenges by providing a fair first installment payment to farmers.

The ongoing protests highlight the broader implications for the agricultural sector in Maharashtra, where farmers are increasingly vocal about their economic struggles. The Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana has warned that the agitation will escalate if their demands are not addressed promptly, reflecting a growing unrest among the farming community regarding fair compensation for their produce.

Looking ahead, the farmers' organization plans to maintain pressure on the sugar mills until their demands are met. With the sugarcane crushing season underway, the situation remains tense, and further disruptions in transport and operations could occur if negotiations do not yield results soon. The farmers are determined to ensure that their voices are heard and that they receive just compensation for their hard work.