Kolhapur: Kolhapur division has emerged as the top performer in Maharashtra in clearing payments to sugarcane farmers, even as most mills across the state continue to delay dues. According to a report by the Sugar Commissionerate on 18 February, only 49 of the state’s 206 sugar factories have paid the full Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) to farmers. Of these, 13 are in Kolhapur, making the division the leader in settling payments.
Statewide, the total unpaid FRP stands at Rs 4,601 crore as of 15 February. Following Kolhapur, the Solapur division has 12 factories that have cleared full payments, while Pune and Ahilyanagar divisions each have nine such factories. The Nanded division has four, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has two factories paying in full. Notably, no factory in Amravati or Nagpur divisions has completed 100% payment so far.
By 31 January, Maharashtra’s mills had crushed 870.11 lakh metric tonnes of sugarcane. The total FRP payable, including harvesting and transport costs, amounts to Rs 33,697 crore, of which Rs 29,382 crore has already been disbursed.
While Kolhapur leads in compliance, the broader picture remains concerning. Apart from the 49 factories that have cleared dues, 58 factories have paid between 80% and 99.99% of FRP, another 58 have paid between 60% and 79.99%, and 41 factories have paid less than 60%.
With the crushing season nearing completion, the Commissionerate has issued notices to several mills, directing them to release pending payments promptly. Officials have warned that factories failing to comply may face action.
