Belagavi: The Bharatiya Krishik Samaj (BKS) has raised the demand of clearing pending cane dues around Rs 8 crore with the Malaprabha cooperative sugar mill, reports The Times of India.
Sidagounda Modagi, state president of BKS alleged that the previous management of the sugar mill has failed to clear cane dues of farmers leading them to reel under financial stress.
Speaking to reporters in Belagavi on Friday, Modagi also urged the authorities to make public the judicial inquiry report into alleged irregularities at the Malaprabha Cooperative Sugar Factory located at MK Hubballi in Kittur taluk.
He said the factory is an important institution in the cooperative sector. During the 2017тАУ18 season, farmers were reportedly owed тВ╣7.8 crore, amounting to тВ╣594 per tonne of sugarcane supplied. He further alleged that about 18,412 quintals of sugar were illegally stored in a warehouse and that complaints had been raised over irregular appointments, as well as issues related to sugar sales and purchases.
Following these complaints, Sugar Minister Shivanand Patil and Minister HK Patil had ordered a judicial investigation into the functioning of the factory. The probe has since been completed, and the report has been submitted to the government.
Modagi said farmers should be informed about the findings of the inquiry. He pointed out that a new governing body, led by Legislative Council member Channaraj Hattiholi, has now taken charge of the factory and said promises made earlier to farmers must be kept. He called for urgent action to ensure that all outstanding payments are cleared without delay.
Farmer leaders Irappa Patted and Mallikarjuna were present during the media interaction.
