Maharashtra cane growers asked to be aware of mills’ financial status

Maharashtra Sugar Commissioner has questioned farmers in the State to be knowledgeable of the economic position of the mills right before giving sugarcane to them.

In an official take note to farmers, Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad has offered particulars on the mills capacity to spend entirely and on time the Reasonable and Remunerative Cost (FRP) set for the cane by the Centre.

Fake guarantees

Mills in Maharashtra will start crushing operations on Oct 15 and the Sugar Commissioner notice claims that through the latest crushing year ending September 30, some mills have paid total FRP in just the stipulated timeframe, when some others have not paid the volume in spite of the deadline lapsing.

Gaikwad claimed that farmers consistently complain to the governing administration and his office environment about not obtaining FRP payment, or reduced payment, or delayed payment.

The Sugar Commissioner added that some big problems about mills incorporate luring farmers by promising increased payments than the FRP and then refusing to fulfil the promise. Some mills refuse to crush cane, whilst some fork out only part of the FRP at the starting of the year and retain the dues pending. “Some objectionable means like having to pay substantial amount than the FRP to picked farmers (to draw in other farmers to supply their cane to the mill) and then deceiving other individuals have been found. Several organisations occur with morchas, hunger strikes, and dharnas in this regard”.

The Sugar Commissioner place of work has taken action versus truant mills by slapping them with an RRC see, he claimed.