Bengaluru: Warning of strong action, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had earlier set June 30 deadline to all sugar mills for clearing sugarcane arrears in the state, but farmers are yet to receive cane dues.
Sugarcane farmers in Karnataka have intensified their protest against sugar mills and government for the pending cane dues. Following which state government came into an action mode and commenced the auctioning of sugar stock at mills which have defaulted in paying sugar cane growers.
Addressing the press conference, Sugar Minister R B Thimmapur said, “Even after the June 30 deadline set by the government, a total of 36 sugar mills have not cleared the dues to farmers. Farmers will be paid out of the proceeds derived from the auction sale of sugar stock at such factories.”
According to the reports, 67 sugar mills in the state had to pay sugarcane farmers Rs 11,948 crore for the year 2018-19. 31 mills have cleared full dues.
The farmers’ delegation had met Kumaraswamy to make him aware of the farmers suffering. Following which, CM assured the delegation clearance of dues by sugar mills.
