The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSF) on Thursday strongly rejected allegations of the exploitation of sugarcane harvesting laborers in Maharashtra, as reported by a U.S. media outlet. The federation called the claims a “conspiracy” aimed at harming the Indian sugar industry.
NFCSF President Harshvardhan Patil warned that the “misinformation” could have a detrimental impact on sugar sales, particularly with major buyers like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, who could face pressure to stop purchasing sugar from Maharashtra and Gujarat.
“The media report does not reflect the reality on the ground,” Patil said, adding that the federation had already contacted the U.S. Consulate, the Union Home Ministry, and the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the matter. An investigation is currently underway.
Patil also explained the differences in harvesting practices between southern and northern states. In Maharashtra and Gujarat, manual harvesting is still common, with skilled workers being provided by middlemen known as ‘mokadam,’ who are responsible for recruiting and transporting laborers.
The NFCSF insisted that, while isolated incidents might occur, sugar mills are offering substantial support to workers, including providing shelter, food, timely payments, education for children, and health insurance.
To address long-term concerns, the NFCSF has requested a loan from the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) to purchase cane harvesters, noting a significant reduction in the workforce from 15 lakh workers a decade ago to about half that number today.
In addition to defending labor conditions, the NFCSF has called for government intervention to increase the minimum selling price of sugar, allow the export of 15 lakh tonnes of surplus sugar, and raise ethanol purchase prices.
