Tiruchy, Tamil Nadu: Sugarcane farmers associated with Arignar Anna Sugar Mills, Kurungulam in Thanjavur protested on Saturday alleging that official negligence endangered the livelihood of thousands of farmers dependent on it, reports DT NEXT.
Agitating farmers brought out that the mill, which former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi established, is an essential facility for the processing of sugarcane farmers’ crops belonging to Thanjavur and Pudukkottai districts.
However, the farmers accused the mill’s management of mismanagement, claiming that this has put the mill at risk of closure. They pointed to official indifference and poor management as the cause of financial losses for the mill.
“We recently saw over 2,500 bags of sugar damaged during the rains due to improper storage,” said Govindaraj, president of the Sugarcane Farmers’ Association. He added that they had reported the issue to the district authorities.
The farmers have also feared that such continued mismanagement will again force the mill to shut down. They have therefore appealed to the state government to interfere urgently, rectify mistakes and ensure accountable officers face relevant action. Govindaraj threatened that if their demands are not met, the farmers will stage a state-wide protest.
