Yogesh K Porwar
*I Will Not Take Any Hasty Decisions.
*Appeal to Farmers to Allow Sugarcane Crushing to Proceed.
*I Will Represent Sugarcane Farmers Before the Central Committee.
*Farmers Must Understand the Government’s Situation.
“It is our firm resolve to find a permanent solution to the problems faced by farmers,”stated Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
On Monday,Shivakumar held a series of meetings throughout the day at Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi to find solutions to the problems faced by sugarcane farmers.
He held two rounds of discussions each with sugar factory owners and sugarcane farmers.The meetings continued throughout the day at Suvarna Soudha, followed by further discussions at the Circuit House in the evening.
Speaking to the media,the Chief Minister said,”We have held discussions with both sugar factory owners and sugarcane farmers.
We cannot arrive at a decision without taking the Central Government into confidence.Sugar factory owners will not agree unless the MSP of sugar is increased.Farmers should allow sugarcane crushing otherwise,they themselves will face difficulties.”
I Will Not Make Any Hasty Decisions :
“A committee constituted by the Central Government will visit the state on October 29.I will not make a hasty decision in a single day.
We will arrive at a conclusion after further discussions with sugar factory owners,officials,the Central Government, and the committee.I have appealed to farmers to cooperate in this regard,”he stated.
When asked whether he would appeal to farmers not to protest, he replied,”Why should they protest when we are on their side?”.
Asked whether he would write to the Prime Minister,he said,I have already written to the Prime Minister, and I will also hold discussions with Union Ministers.
I intend to meet the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.We must all come together and arrive at a collective decision.”
Appeal to Farmers to Allow Sugarcane Crushing:
When asked whether he would direct sugar factories to commence operations,he said,”I am appealing to farmers to allow crushing to begin.
Crushing has already commenced in Maharashtra.We should not allow our sugarcane to be transported to Maharashtra,as this would cause difficulties for both farmers and the government.”
I Will Represent Sugarcane Farmers Before the Central Committee:
Addressing sugarcane growers at the beginning of a meeting, the Chief Minister assured them,”To find a permanent solution to the problems faced by sugarcane growers,we need to join hands with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and exert pressure on the Central Government.
Discussions in this regard are already underway.When the Central Government’s committee visits the state,I will appear before it and speak on behalf of sugarcane growers.”
Farmers Must Understand the Government’s Situation:
“We cannot provide any relief until the MSP of sugar is increased.This is not an issue that can be resolved in haste or under the influence of strong emotions.Your voice will become my voice,and I stand with you.
You must understand my situation and that of the government.We are prepared to represent your interests,” he said,assuring the farmers of his support.
“In today’s meeting, we are discussing all the issues faced by farmers,including the weighing and transportation of sugarcane.
Farmers must understand our financial position.We are making every effort to persuade sugar factories and the Central Government to provide relief,”he explained.
“Out of respect for your struggle,I personally met you in Kittur.At that time,I had promised to hold discussions with you after consulting all the relevant stakeholders. Keeping that promise,I have convened this meeting today.
“We are facing a severe drought.Although the Krishna dam has filled up due to rainfall in Maharashtra, no other dams have reached full capacity,”he stated.
“There is a drinking water crisis.Power generation has declined, resulting in an electricity shortage.The government spends ₹22,000 crore annually to provide free electricity to farmers’ pump sets and ₹7,000 crore on the Gruha Jyothi scheme.
Due to the drought this year, electricity consumption has increased significantly, necessitating an additional expenditure of ₹9,000 crore.
Furthermore, owing to the power shortage, electricity had to be purchased at rates as high as ₹23 to ₹33 per unit,” he explained, outlining the challenges faced by the government.
“Last year, following discussions with factory owners, it was decided that an additional payment of ₹300 would be made. Electricity bills for lift irrigation schemes also need to be settled.
Your demands are not unjustified. The costs of diesel, fertilisers, and pesticides have increased, while the price of sugar has remained unchanged. Political squabbles will not help resolve this issue,” he stated.
“I am well aware of the realities of farmers’ lives. Elected representatives have come forward with the intention of helping you.
Sugarcane yields and sugar production have both declined.The Central Government has directed that sugarcane should not be used for ethanol production.
Meanwhile,factory owners have indicated that they would make the requested payment if the MSP of sugar is increased.
“Demands must be made with an understanding of the government’s financial position.If you ask for ‘good news’ right now, where are we supposed to find the funds?”he asked.
