Kalaburagi: Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner B. Fouzia Taranum has asked to all sugar factories in the district to ensure that payments to sugarcane farmers are made within 15 days of procurement. Chairing a meeting with sugarcane growers and factory representatives on Thursday, the DC emphasized that any delay in payment would attract a 15% interest, which must be paid to the farmers.
She has also instructed sugar factories in Kalaburagi district to enter into agreements with sugarcane growers by October 10, ahead of the crushing season, reported The Hindu.
At a meeting with farmers and factory representatives on Thursday, Taranum said the agreements must clearly mention the price per tonne, transport charges, and other conditions.
She said factories should at least sign agreements with farmers who are willing, even if it is not possible to do so with everyone. Payments must be made within 15 days of purchasing sugarcane, and any delay will attract 15% interest, she warned.
Factories have also been asked to use sugarcane management software, keep harvesting and transport charges uniform, and ensure that sugarcane is weighed on digital machines at the factory gate.
She stressed that weighing should be transparent and that middlemen must not be involved. Following complaints from farmers about cheating in weighing, Taranum directed officials to carry out surprise checks at factories, while the Food Department has been tasked with monitoring recovery levels.
The DC also instructed GESCOM to prevent crop damage caused by power supply issues and the Pollution Control Board to ensure that factories do not cause air, water, or noise pollution within a five-kilometre radius.
On providing facilities, she said factories must arrange shelters, drinking water, toilets, and small canteens for farmers who are forced to stay overnight near the premises after bringing in sugarcane late in the day.
Farmer leaders urged the State government to review the Centre’s Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP), calling it inadequate. They demanded an additional ₹500 per tonne as State support, automatic interest credit for delayed payments, and strict enforcement of timely harvesting without bias. Farmers also sought SMS alerts on payments and pending dues.
