Sanguem: Sugarcane farmers from Sanguem have voiced strong opposition to any move by the government to allocate land belonging to the now-defunct Sanjivani Sugar Factory for non-agricultural projects, including the proposed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus, reports The Goan Everyday.
Farmers from remote villages warned that they would resort to legal action and mass protests if the government proceeds without resolving their longstanding demands. They insisted that the land, located in Usgao, is collectively owned by sugarcane cultivators across Goa who are shareholders in the factory.
“Reports about the government planning to set up an IIT on this land have caused deep concern,” said Harshad Shankar Prabhudessai, a farmer from Netravali. “The land belongs to us, not the government. They cannot take decisions about it without our consent.”
He also criticized the state for failing to deliver on its earlier promise to build an ethanol plant after the closure of the Sanjivani factory — a project that was meant to support the livelihood of sugarcane growers.
Young farmer Chanda Velip echoed these sentiments, saying, “The government has pushed sugarcane farmers into distress, just like mining workers after that sector was abruptly shut down.” He warned that any attempt to transfer the land without resolving farmer issues would provoke widespread protests.
Veteran cultivators Bostiao Simoes from Kevona Rivona and Kusta Velip from Curdi Wadem recalled that the Sanjivani Sugar Factory was founded by Goa’s first chief minister, Bahusaheb Bandodkar, for the benefit of the farming community.
“This land was given for our welfare. Now, they want to take it away from us,” said Simoes.
Kusta Velip added that agriculture in the state has been neglected and warned that repurposing the land without consultation would be strongly opposed. “If the government tries to hand it over for an IIT without our approval, we will resist it fiercely,” he said.
