Sugarcane farmers to get compensation for their burnt crop

Mumbai, Jul 23 (UNI) Maharashtra co-operation minister Patangrao Kadam today assured in the assembly of compensation to sugarcane farmers, who had burnt their crops to protest non-crushing in May this year.

The announcement was made during Question Hour, in response to a query by leader of the Opposition Ramdas Kadam and Sachin Ahir (NCP). The members pointed out that during the agitation in May, many farmers in Marathwada area had burnt their sugarcane crops.

Dr Kadam said the burnt sugarcane would be considered as standing and non-crushed crops and compensation would be given.

Meanwhile, replying to a query by Gulabrao Patil (Shiv Sena), Mr Kadam said 56 co-operative sugar factories had not been done their audit and have been asked to complete the same in three months.

Minister of state for co-operation Jayprakash Dandegaonkar in reply to a questions by Raju Shetty (Ind) and Wamanrao Chatap (SBP) said notices have been issued for criminal procedure against Rajarambapu Shetkari Sahakari Karkhana, for non-payment of Statutory Minimum Price (SMP) to some farmers.

This sugar factory is controlled by state finance minister Jayant Patil.

The complaint was lodged with sugar commissioner by farmers from Osmanabad, for paying them Rs 424 per tonne, which is far below than the SMP.

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