50 sugar factories in Mah may be closed in crushing season: Devara

Kolhapur, Oct 31 (UNI) Maharashtra sugar commissioner Rajgopal Devara has said about 50 sugar factories in the state may remain closed during the sugarcane crushing season this year, due to lack of cane availability.

This may also lead to decrease in sugar production by 30 to 40 per cent, Mr Devra, who was in the city yesterday, said while talking to mediapersons.

He said if the factories were allowed to go for crushing with availability of less than 50 per cent sugar cane then the farmers would face serious problems, hence that decision have been taken to permit crushing in factories only if 50 per cent cane is available.

The sugar factories have also been asked to pay statuatory minimum price to the farmers, declared by the government, while purchasing the canes.

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