New sugarcane factory to end woes of farmers in Zaheerabad

The existing Trident Sugars located at Kothur-B had pushed sugarcane farmers into crisis as it failed to pay farmers in time after purchasing sugarcane from them

Sangareddy: The years of struggle for sugarcane farmers appears all set to end as another sugarcane factory has started its crushing operations in the Zaheerabad area on Friday.

The existing Trident Sugars located at Kothur-B had pushed sugarcane farmers into crisis as it failed to pay farmers in time after purchasing sugarcane from them. The government and officials had found it difficult to get the company to pay the arrears to farmers.

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After so many struggles, farmers from these parts of the State had began transporting their sugarcane harvest to Sangareddy, Kamareddy, Wanaparthy, Karnataka, Maharashtra and other parts.

However, now, Godavariganga Agro Products Private Limited, a new sugarcane factory, has started functioning from Friday at Matoor in Regode mandal.

The company management has agreements with many sugarcane farmers in Zaheerabad, Raikode, Nyalkal, Jharasngam, Vattipally and others in the district to purchase their produce.

The farmers were also elated as the Centre had increased the MSP for sugarcane by Rs.250 which took the price to Rs 3,400 per tonne for the upcoming season.

However, farmers are urging sugarcane industries to pay Rs.4,500 per tonne because of increased spending on cultivation. The farmers hope that the opening of the new sugarcane factory will boost sugarcane cultivation in Sangareddy and neighbouring Kamareddy districts in the State in the coming years.

Health Minister Damodara Rajanarasimha, Zaheerabad MP Suresh Shetkar and others inaugurated the crushing of sugarcane at the new firm on Friday to mark its opening.

Health Minister scolds farmer for demanding MSP

Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha on Friday got angry and scolded a farmer, who demanded that the government ensure minimum support price for sugarcane.

Participating in the inaugural of a sugarcane factory, the Minister scolded the farmer, asking to shut up and not to create a ruckus. According to a video that is being shared widely, the farmer was repeatedly pointing out that minimum support price was not being extended for sugarcane, while the Minister and other dignitaries were on the dais. The Minister got irked and asked the farmer not create a problem at the programme.

“You have told us. It’s enough, stop it now,” Rajanarasimha is seen saying in the video.