Cane farmers panic over fear of potential Sanjivani factory closure

PONDA: The news report in a local daily with regards to a “possible closure” of the Sanjivani factory has caused panic among Sugarcane Farmers’ Association, factory workers and Dharbandora Panchayat, who claimed that several families will be hit hard as they are dependent on this factory for their livelihood. 

Sanjeevani Sugar cane Farmers’ Association president Rajendra Desai said, “We have lost faith in the government because it promises one thing and does just the opposite. If it the government closes the factory then we will be forced to launch a major agitation.”

The Registrar of Cooperative Societies on Thursday had fixed a meeting of five officials. Desai claimed that they were not invited for meeting. 

Meanwhile, as soon as the RCS learnt that the meeting notice got leaked via WhatsApp, he immediately cancelled the meeting fearing backlash.

Following the news of the possible closure, Dharbandora Panchayat held a press conference, which was attended by Sarpanch Swati Gawas.   

Deputy Sarpanch Balaji Gawas said they were shocked after reading the ne­ws in local daily that government is closing Sanjeevani sugar factory.  He said, “The panchayat has strongly opposed the same and requests Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to continue the operations at the 45-year-old factory on which around 4000 families are dependent for their livelihood. Any decision should be taken only after consulting the locals, farmers and workers. “

Speaking to Herald, the factory employees said they strongly oppose the closure. In case the State closes the factory then it should absorb the workers in government jobs.

Rajendra Desai said, “We had launched agitation on the issue and Chief Minister during the meeting with farmers had promised to come out with a decision after taking farmers and stakeholders into confidence. A fortnight ago, we met him and he had promised to meet them on the factory issue.  How can RCS suddenly fix the meeting to discuss factory closure without taking the stakeholders into confidence?  The government should stop fooling us on issue as we are already in trouble due to closure of crushing season this year.” 

He said, “At any cost, we will not allow the government to close the factory.”