Fadnavis appeals for end to sugarcane agitation, urges farmers to allow mills to begin crushing on October 15
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged protesting sugarcane farmers to resolve pricing disputes through dialogue and allow crushing to begin early from October 15. He cited lower cane availability, drought-like conditions and mill finances, warning that delays could prompt Karnataka mills to source cane from Maharashtra.
Pune: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to sugarcane farmers protesting over cane prices to resolve the issue through dialogue and allow sugar mills to start crushing operations early, citing lower cane availability and financial constraints faced by mills, The Hindustan Times reported.
The protest has gained momentum along the Maharashtra-Karnataka border, with farmers blocking the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway to press for better prices for their sugarcane.
Fadnavis said Maharashtra had asked sugar mills to commence crushing from October 15, whereas factories in neighbouring Karnataka had begun operations on October 1. He warned that a delayed start could encourage Karnataka mills to source cane from Maharashtra, potentially affecting the crushing duration of factories in the state.
He said lower sugarcane yields this season would limit the availability of cane and shorten the crushing period. Given the prevailing shortage of sugar, starting operations early was also important, he added.
The Chief Minister said farmers and sugar mills were both under pressure due to drought-like conditions and urged the protesters to cooperate.
On assistance to drought-hit farmers, Fadnavis said the government had announced an advance of Rs 5,000 and expanded the coverage of drought-related relief from 265 to 305 talukas. The advance was intended to provide immediate support as the disbursement of the remaining assistance was completed. The government had undertaken 12 relief measures, he said.
Commenting on the protest by Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants, Fadnavis said a judicial inquiry commission had been established. He said the V Radha committee’s report would provide a basis for comprehensive reforms in the recruitment system.
The government was working to ensure timely completion of examinations, recruitment, declaration of results and appointments, he said, while urging political parties to refrain from politicising the matter.
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Source : ChiniMandi
