The Dharwad District Sugarcane Growers Association has urged the State government to nationalise sugarcane crushing units if they do not comply with its direction on paying dues to farmers.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, association president S.N. Banavannavar expressed reservations over the recent statements by the South Indian Sugar Mills’ Association (SISMA-Karnataka) that they could not pay arrears to farmers and were ready to face action from the Government.
Mr. Banavannavar said that both the government and officials were cheating the farmers.
“The government directs sugarcane crushing units to pay arrears to farmers. But officials turn a blind eye when the units do not comply with the orders. The government should ensure that its orders are implemented in letter and spirit. The Union government too delaying taking decision on fair and remunerative price and stopping buying sugar have added to the woes of the farmers,” he said.
Referring to the units pointing at financial losses for their inability to pay arrears to farmers, he asked why the number of applications to open new units were increasing.
Many investors were urging the government standing in queue before the Government to start new units, he added.
Mr. Banavannavar said that a meeting of the Karnataka Sugarcane Growers Association scheduled on June 8 in Bengaluru would discuss the future course of action to be taken to safeguard the farmer’s interests.
South Indian Sugar Mills’ Association reportedly states it cannot pay arrears
Says it is ready to face any action
from the government
Questions also raised over sugar crushing units pointing to financial losses
