Lucknow: The Sugarcane Development Department has decided to step up action against sugar mills following repeated complaints from farmers about the downgrading of sugarcane varieties at the time of supply, Jagran reported.
According to officials, several farmers have alleged that the variety mentioned on their sugarcane supply slips is being lowered by mills when the crop is delivered for weighing. The issue has also been reported through the department’s toll-free helpline, prompting closer scrutiny.
Taking note of the complaints, the department has issued clear instructions to all sugar mills that no sugarcane variety can be downgraded without the farmer’s written consent. Mills have been warned that failure to follow this directive will invite action.
District and regional officers have been asked to investigate cases where sugarcane is weighed after being downgraded and to ensure that proper written consent from the concerned farmer is obtained in each instance.
The department has further directed that mills must not refuse or return sugarcane brought by farmers for supply under any circumstances.
The department has urged farmers facing any difficulty related to the downgrading of sugarcane varieties to lodge complaints through the toll-free helpline number 188-121-3203.
