MLA Shetty should wait till CM returns: Harshwardhan Patil

Kolhapur, June 26 (UNI) Maharashtra Marketing Minister Harshwardhan Patil today appealed to MLA Raju Shetty to postpone his proposed milk bandh agitation till state Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh returns from his foreign tour.

Talking to reporters here Mr Patil, who is also the district guardian minister said that Mr Deshmukh is expected to return on July 5, and after that the issue of hiking milk rates will be discussed.

Mr Shetty-led Swabhimani Shetakari Sanghatana (SSS) had earlier decided to resort to a milk collection bandh agitation from tomorrow, demanding better prices to the milk producing farmers in the state.

Regarding sugarcane prices, Mr Patil explained that sugar factories are bound to pay Rs 900 per tonne to the sugarcane farmers. This rate has been fixed by the state government and punitive action will be taken against those who failed to pay the stipulated amount, he assured.

When asked about the second instalment of Rs 380 per tonne due to the farmers, Mr Patil said that there was some understanding between SSS leaders and sugar factory office bearers action committee. Hence the state government was not in the picture with regard to this second instalment, which so far has not been paid to the farmers, he reasoned.

UNI