Pune: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday defended the state government’s decision to impose a levy on sugarcane, saying it will not burden farmers but will be deducted from the profits of sugar mills to support those affected by recent floods, reports Hindustan Times.
“Some people are misrepresenting the facts. During a high-level committee meeting, it was noted that sugar mills in Maharashtra achieved a turnover of ₹30,000 crore, while the state government extended support worth ₹10,000 crore. We decided to set aside ₹5 per tonne for flood-affected farmers, but some are portraying it as money being taken from farmers,” Fadnavis said.
The chief minister made the remarks at the launch of renovation works at the Padma Shri Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Cooperative Sugar Factory in Pravaranagar, Ahilyanagar district. Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also present, and statues of Padma Shri Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil, pioneer of the cooperative movement, and former Union Minister Padma Bhushan Dr. Balasaheb Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil were unveiled.
Fadnavis reiterated that the levy will come from the mills’ profits and will not affect cultivators. “There are around 200 mills in the state, and one mill may contribute about ₹25 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF). The levy is intended to raise funds for the CMRF and provide assistance to farmers hit by floods,” he said.
Noting that some mills have previously been caught cheating farmers in tonnage calculations, Fadnavis warned of strict action against such practices. “Farmers are the real owners of these mills, and I will firmly stand by them,” he said.
Following heavy rainfall and flooding in Marathwada and other regions, the state government last week announced a levy of ₹10 per tonne of sugarcane for the CMRF and ₹5 per tonne for flood relief. The decision drew criticism from opposition parties, who claimed it would indirectly harm cultivators.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar said, “Farmers need help today; do not take money from them. Those opposing the levy are justified.” He also urged the government to quickly submit its damage assessment report to the Centre. “The chief minister should coordinate with authorities, secure maximum aid from the Centre, and start distributing relief immediately. Floods have affected only certain districts, so the government should focus efforts there and act swiftly,” Pawar added.
