Pune: The West Indian Sugar Mills Association (WISMA) has urged the Maharashtra government, to adhere to the decision made in the ministerial committee meeting on September 23, 2024, to start the crushing season on November 15.
In a letter to government, WISMA emphasized that due to favourable rainfall, climate conditions, the sugarcane crop in Maharashtra is good this time, with expectations of improved sugar recovery.
WISMA expressed concern over reports suggesting that the start of the crushing season might be delayed by a week, until November 21, due to the state assembly elections scheduled for November 20, 2024. Such a delay, it warned, could have significant negative impacts on the sugar industry. Delayed operations could disrupt the central government’s ethanol-blending program and lead to financial penalties for mills that fail to meet supply commitments to oil marketing companies.
Adding to the urgency, WISMA noted that certain regions are seeing a rise in pest infestations, posing a risk to sugarcane crops. Therefore, starting the crushing season on time is crucial.
Although the season is already set to begin 15 days later than usual, the association pointed out that farmers are anxious due to the abundant sugarcane supply. Prolonged crushing periods often extend into February and March when rising temperatures prompt labourers to leave for their villages, leaving unharvested sugarcane in the fields. This recurring challenge creates issues for both farmers and mills, presenting additional concerns for the state government and the sugar commissioner’s office.
WISMA highlighted that while the assembly elections are set for November 20, sugar mills customarily arrange transport to enable workers to vote, which would help protect the industry and labourers from economic losses. The association urged that the ministerial committee’s decision to start the season on November 15 be upheld, without any further changes.
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