AP CM to clear farmers dues

Hyderabad, July 18 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today assured that the State Government would provide guarantee for Rs 67 crore taken as loan from APCOB to clear off the dues to farmers by the sugar factories.

Reviewing sugar issues with the Minister for Industries, J Geeta Reddy and senior officials here, Dr Reddy said due to crisis in the world, dues of crane farmers were delayed in eleven cooperative sugar factories in the state.

The Chief Minister said the government had applied to the Centre for a loan of Rs 266 crore in order to bring sustainability in cane industry in the State.

He said steps were initiated to assist the farmers to withstand the fluctuations in sugarcane industry. The department of sugar had also proposed for an expansion and development of the sugar factories concerned, he added.

UNI