Team Herald
PONDA: With the government cancelling this year’s crushing season at Sanjivani Sugar Factory for the first time in 45 years, the farmers on Saturday demanded a written assurance from State government regarding its stand failing which they have threatened to launch an agitation.
The farmers, who visited to agitate, said that they are unhappy with the government’s oral promises and the uncertainty over the factory’s future.
They have given the government two weeks time to provide them with a written assurance regarding its stand on the factory and its cane production. They said that it’s for the first time in 45 years that the crushing season has been cancelled by government.
The farmers said if Rs 10 crore can be spent on IFFI why cannot the State spend on Sanjivani, which feeds 1,500 farmers and their families.
Sugarcane Farmers’ Association President Rajendra Desai said, “The Chief Minister informed us that crushing season is not possible this year and our sugar cane production would be sent to Karnataka but this is only oral assurance. We want all promises in writing.”
He said, “We want to know from government and that too in writing whether it will run sugar factory or close its operations. A written assurance in this regard will give a clear picture of government policy on Sanjivani factory and sugarcane cultivation in Goa.”
The farmers fear that around 900 hectares of sugarcane fields will turn fallow if government fails to clear its stand on factory’s future.
A farmer said, “Without a written assurance we cannot engage workers for sugarcane cutting. It needs skilled workers from neighbouring States who need to be informed in advance as they have a busy schedule.”
Farmers said it is clear that government is not ready to start crushing season this year as informed by the Chief Minister. However, they said they are not informed on cutting on sugarcane production and this is the cause for concern and we demanded a written assurance and directions with regards to the factory’s functioning.
