Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna leader Raju Shetti on Saturday called on sugar mills in Marathwada to pay farmers a minimum of Rs.3,500 per tonne for sugarcane.
Speaking at a sugarcane conference held in Pangaon, Latur district, and organized by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Santosh Nagargoje and others, the former MP said farmers should collectively refuse to supply cane if factories fail to pay the proposed rate, reported PTI.
Shetti accused sugar mill owners of exploiting farmers by withholding the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) payments in a single installment. “Cane cutters and transporters demand advance payments from farmers, adding to their burden, while mills delay their dues,” he said, urging farmers to unite against such exploitation.
The event was attended by MNS leader Dilip Dhotre and Pandurangrao Awhad, director of Natural Sugar, who were the chief guests.
Dhotre encouraged farmers to adopt a firm stance against sugar mills, similar to the approach taken by growers in western Maharashtra, to ensure they receive the full FRP. Awhad, meanwhile, shared practical guidance on achieving yields of 100 tonnes of sugarcane per acre.
