Farmers meet cooperation minister in Maharashtra demanding uniform sugarcane price and loan incentives

According to reports by Business Standard and The Hindu, a delegation of farmers in Maharashtra met state Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil in Latur. During this meeting, farmers demanded uniform sugarcane prices across the state, a ₹2 lakh incentive for regular loan repayers, and an increase in drought relief.

On Monday, this delegation submitted a memorandum of their demands at Ahmedpur under the leadership of Krantikari Shetkari Sanghatana state president Rajiv Kasbe. The farmers raised the question as to why sugarcane producers in Marathwada and other regions are not being given the rate of ₹4,200 per ton like the farmers of western Maharashtra and why they have been deprived of it.

Rajiv Kasbe stated that while determining the crop price, the earnings of sugar mills from sugar sales as well as by-products such as molasses, bagasse, and ethanol should also be taken into consideration. He emphasized that farmers across the state should receive uniform, practical, and fair remuneration for their produce. The delegation demanded that farmers who regularly repay their loans should receive an incentive grant of ₹2 lakh. In addition, a demand was made to provide financial assistance of ₹1 lakh per hectare for drought-affected farmers.

This delegation also demanded a special financial package of ₹1 lakh for agricultural laborer families. Expressing concern over alleged harassment by microfinance companies, the delegation demanded the enactment of a strict law on the lines of Karnataka state to regulate arbitrary interest rates and halt coercive loan recovery methods.

Additionally, other demands included doorstep supply of cattle feed for livestock, creation of permanent drinking water facilities for people and cattle in drought-affected areas, and ensuring proper sugarcane prices in all sugar factories across the state. Rajiv Kasbe stated in clear words that until farmers get fair prices for sugarcane, drought-affected families get adequate relief, and borrowers get protection against harassment, his organization will continue its agitation and follow-up.