Chandgad: The sugarcane crushing season in Maharashtra is set to commence on November 15. However, sugar mills in Karnataka have already started operations. Professor Deepak Patil, the district vice-president of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna, has urged farmers in Chandgad, Ajra, and Gadhinglaj talukas not to rush to send their sugarcane to Karnataka mills.
Patil advised farmers against selling their produce to Karnataka mills, citing lower prices and lack of transparency in weight assessments compared to Kolhapur district mills. He also noted that farmers who sell to Karnataka mills often struggle to claim the second instalment of payments.
Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna leader and MP Raju Shetti have been working to ensure fair returns for sugarcane farmers in Kolhapur. Shetti faces challenges, however, when negotiating with mills outside Maharashtra. This has led to economic losses for farmers, according to Patil.
Patil advised farmers to wait for Maharashtra’s mills to start operations to secure better prices. He recommended prioritizing mills that offer higher rates and emphasized that careful consideration could prevent financial loss for sugarcane producers. This appeal was made through an official press release.
