Ponda, Goa: In light of the state government’s lack of response following their ultimatum, sugarcane farmers have decided to commence their agitation from January 2, 2024, at the Dharbandora sugar factory complex. The primary demand of the farmers during this protest is the establishment of an ethanol plant at the said complex, reported Navhind Times.
Rajendra Desai, the President of the Sugarcane Farmers Association, announced the decision to initiate the agitation after a meeting with committee members. Dessai expressed frustration, stating that the state government appears unresponsive to the grievances and demands of sugarcane farmers. In response to this, he noted, “We have decided to launch an agitation at the sugar factory at Dharbandora.”
Dessai pointed out that it has been over two months since the farmers presented a proposal to the state government expressing interest in establishing an ethanol plant at Dharbandora. However, there has been no response from the government to date. He highlighted the uncertainty faced by farmers due to the lack of a clear response and urged the government to provide clarity on the matter.
The background to this agitation traces back to July of the current year when approximately 120 sugarcane farmers were detained by Ponda police during a protest that involved blocking the Ponda-Belgaum National Highway. The farmers were advocating for a written assurance from the government regarding the Sanjivani Sugar Factory.
Following the protest, the Chief Minister convened a meeting with the sugarcane farmers in Panaji. During the meeting, the Chief Minister informed them that no party had expressed willingness to establish an ethanol plant due to the current state of the factory structure and insufficient sugarcane cultivation in the state. The Chief Minister encouraged the farmers to attract interested parties for setting up an ethanol plant, assuring governmental support in such endeavors.
