Maharashtra : Shetti demands 3,700 per tonne payment to local sugarcane farmers this season
Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana founder Raju Shetti is demanding ₹3,700 per tonne as a single installment payment for sugarcane from Kolhapur mills, citing stable sugar prices and profits. He also seeks an additional ₹200 per tonne for 2023-24 season dues. At his annual gathering, Shetti criticized both Maharashtra’s political alliances for their approach to farmer issues and criticized the costly Shaktipeeth Expressway project. He hinted at a potential assembly election run, urging support for candidates focused on farmers’ concerns.
Kolhapur: Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana founder Raju Shetti has on behalf of local farmers demanded Rs3,700 per tonne as a single installment payment to them for sugarcane that will be supplied to sugar mills in the district.The 2024-25 season of sugarcane crushing by mills across Maharashtra is set to start on Nov 15.For the last 23 years, Shetti has hosted an annual congregation of sugarcane farmers from Kolhapur and Sangli at Jaysingpur to announce the price demand on their behalf and get a ratification from those present for the same.”Given the existing revenue made by the sugar mills, they should pay Rs3,700 per tonne to farmers. A mill from Pandharpur with less recovery of sugar has announced Rs3,500 per tonne, so sugar mills from Kolhapur district should have no problem paying Rs3,700 per tonne,” said Shetti.
He also demanded that the mills pay an additional Rs200 per tonne for sugarcane crushed in the 2023-24 season, owing to profits made due to stable sugar prices.Further, the former MP hinted that he may contest the upcoming assembly election, which he had won in 2004 before later becoming an MP. “The Mahayuti and MVA both use farmers for political gains. Neither likes leaders who emerge out of movements. So, farmers should support any candidate who can raise their issues on the floor of the assembly,” said Shetti.He also targeted both major alliances over the Shaktipeeth Expressway proposed between Nagpur and Goa, passing through 12 districts. “The expressway will cost four times what is actually needed for building a highway. MVA leaders, when asked whether they will scrap the project mooted by Mahayuti govt if they come to power, just keep their mouths shut,” Shetti alleged.
