Kolhapur: The state government will convene a meeting on March 4 under the leadership of Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil to discuss issues related to the sugar sector, NSCSF chairman Harshvardhan Patil said.
Several ministers and officials associated with the sugar industry are expected to attend the meeting, he added.
According to officials, key issues such as mounting FRP dues, financial assistance to sugar mills to clear these dues, and increasing ethanol procurement by oil marketing companies (OMCs) from sugar mills will be discussed.
Data released by the Sugar Commissionerate shows that sugar production in the state has reached 928.96 lakh quintals. Out of 210 sugar mills, 78 have stopped cane crushing operations. Mills owe a total of ₹4,601 crore to sugarcane farmers.
Speaking to Chinimandi, sugar industry expert Vijay Autade said, “Sugar mills are facing financial difficulties. So far, they have paid farmers according to their capacity. With the crushing season nearing its end, surplus sugar and high production costs have reduced earnings. Mills are finding it difficult to clear the remaining dues to farmers and will need financial assistance from the government to settle all pending payments.”
