Karnataka CM Shivakumar stresses ‘tripartite pact’ amid cane price dispute
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar proposed a tripartite agreement among sugarcane farmers, sugar factories and the government to resolve the cane price dispute. He said a final price decision depends on the Centre revising sugar prices, while mills cite stagnant sugar prices, financing difficulties and delayed crushing.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has said the state government will work towards a tripartite agreement involving sugarcane farmers, sugar factories and the government to resolve the ongoing dispute over cane prices, The New Indian Express reported.
Shivakumar said on Tuesday that the government was seeking a mutually acceptable solution through discussions and coordination among the three stakeholders. He acknowledged that farmers were justified in demanding remunerative prices but stressed that the financial concerns of sugar factories also needed to be considered.
Speaking to reporters at the government guesthouse in Belagavi before leaving for Bengaluru, the Chief Minister said discussions on the challenges facing sugarcane growers and factories had continued until late Monday night.
Representatives of nearly 80 sugar factories in Karnataka highlighted the financial pressures confronting the industry. They pointed out that sugar prices had remained largely stagnant over the past decade, limiting their ability to meet farmers’ price expectations.
The factory representatives also expressed concern over delays in commencing crushing operations, warning that prolonged uncertainty could cause sugarcane to dry up in fields. They further highlighted difficulties in securing loans from nationalised banks, which had forced several factories to borrow from cooperative institutions at higher interest rates.
Shivakumar said he had raised the issue of revising sugar prices with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who had given a positive assurance regarding a possible revision. However, he noted that the Centre would first need to decide on increasing sugar prices and introducing two separate categories for sugar sales before the state could announce a definite sugarcane price.
The Chief Minister reiterated that farmers’ interests would be protected but indicated that providing direct financial assistance to growers would be difficult under the prevailing circumstances.
To Read more about Sugar Industry continue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : ChiniMandi
