Anakapalli (Andhra Pradesh): Telugu Desam Party (TDP) National General Secretary Nara Lokesh met with the workers and farmers of Etikoppaka’s Sugar Factory in Payakaraopeta Assembly Constituency on his 221st day of Yuvagalam Padayatra.
During his meeting with the farmers and workers of Etikoppaka Sugar Factory in Payakaraopeta Constituency, it was revealed that the first sugar factory in the cooperative sector of the Asian continent was established at Etikoppaka in 1932-33.
Starting with 20 members, the factory grew to 5,600 members by 2004. Initially processing 70 tonnes of sugarcane, the production increased to 2.84 lakh tonnes by 2004.
However, sugarcane production declined due to a gradual reduction in incentives to farmers. They mentioned that Rs 27 crores were provided to this factory during TDP Chief and former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s regime.
The current Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, has done nothing for the workers of the Etikoppaka Sugar factory during his 4.6-year rule, they said.
Nara Lokesh slammed Jagan Reddy for failing to fulfil his promise of reopening all sugar factories in the state and supporting them, the farmer and workers said.
The young TDP leader, however, assured that the pending dues of Etikoppaka Sugar Factory will be released and it will regain its past glory.
(With inputs from ANI)
