Belagavi: The state government is not taking any action against sugar mills that have not cleared cane dues, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) has alleged, warning of a state-wide protest if the dues are not settled soon, The Hindu reported.
KRRS activists said they would launch protests across Karnataka if the government does not ensure that factories clear all arrears within two weeks.
KRRS leader Chunappa Pujari, in a memorandum submitted to the government, said that eight of the 28 sugar factories in Belagavi district alone owe farmers Rs 1,554 crore.
The factories named include Ugar Sugars, Satish Sugars, Shivashakti Sugars, Vishwaraj Sugars, Athani Sugars, ICPL Alagawadi Beereshwar Sugars, and Renuka Sugars, located in Burlatti and Munnoli.
Pujari recalled an earlier 11-day protest at Gurlapur Cross demanding fair prices for sugarcane, stating that the agitation was called off only after assurances were given on payments. He warned that protests would resume if those promises are not honoured.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition R. Ashok criticised the state government, alleging that it has failed to safeguard farmersтАЩ interests. He said the government was not enforcing the rule requiring payments to farmers within 15 days and accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of not taking action against defaulting factories.
Pujari said the issue extends across the state, with arrears running into more than Rs 4,400 crore. Of the 90 sugar factories in Karnataka, 76 are currently operational, including 28 in Belagavi, 12 in Bagalkot, and nine in Vijayapura. He added that nearly 30% of the pending dues are concentrated in Belagavi district.
He said the protest movement would expand to other districts to ensure farmers receive their payments, adding that the organisation is working for fair prices for all crops, not just sugarcane.
Pujari also welcomed the governmentтАЩs plan to distribute Indira food kits but urged the Chief Minister to procure foodgrains directly from farmers for the scheme. He suggested that the government could use Raitha Samparka Kendra outlets across hobli headquarters to purchase produce from farmers, similar to how seeds and fertilisers are sold.
