Ponda: Sugarcane farmers in Goa are worried about their future as the state government has not yet issued the promised notification to buy their produce. The farmers, represented by the Gomantak Uss Utpadak Sangatana (Sugarcane Producers Association Goa), have urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to follow through on his assurance made earlier this month, reported O Heraldo.
On January 4, the farmers met with the Chief Minister to discuss the end of the Five-Year Compensation Scheme. The scheme, introduced after the closure of the Sanjivani Sugar Factory, provided financial support to sugarcane growers but expired in December 2024. The Chief Minister acknowledged that the scheme could not be extended.
The Chief Minister had reassured the farmers that the government would support them in continuing sugarcane cultivation by accepting their sugarcane production, reported O Herlado. However, notification has not been issued.
“Farmers are panicking because, without the government’s official support, it will be very difficult to plan and grow sugarcane,” said Rajendra Desai, President of the Gomantak Uss Utpadak Sangatana, after a recent meeting. “It takes almost a year to prepare the land and harvest the crop, and without clarity, how can we proceed?”
Desai also pointed out that earlier, the government provided essential resources like seedlings and fertilizers, but this support has now stopped. “If we are to take loans for sugarcane cultivation, we need assurance from the government to help us access financing from banks,” he added.
Farmers are also seeking clarity on how the government will handle the transportation of sugarcane and ensure fair pricing for their crops. The delay in action has left the farming community uncertain about their plans and future.
