Kathmandu: Sugarcane farmers from across the country, who have been demonstrating in Kathmandu since August 24, have warned of an indefinite blockade along the national highway in Hariwan, Sarlahi, starting September 10 if their demands are not met, reports Republica.
The announcement was made during a press conference at Maitighar on Saturday.
“We have been protesting in the capital for a week, but the government has not responded,” said protest coordinator Shyam Babu Ray. “Some farmers have fallen sick after sitting in the rain. We are not asking for charity—we pay taxes from the sugar we produce. But our voices are being ignored, so we are ready to step up our movement.”
The agitation, led by the Sugarcane Producers Federation of Nepal, is aimed at pressuring the government not to cut subsidies for sugarcane farmers. The farmers have accused the government of deliberately reducing subsidy amounts.
They are also demanding that farmers be given representation in the process of setting sugarcane prices.
