Pune: Sugarcane Farmers Demand Fair Price at Sant Tukaram Sugar Factory Protest

Hinjawadi, 5th November 2023: A protest at a local sugar factory saw farmers demanding a fair price of 3300 rupees per metric ton for their sugarcane. Led by factory director Mauli Dabhade and organized by the Pune District Kisan Union, along with support from Sant Tukaram Sugar Factory workers on behalf of the sugarcane farmers, the strike aimed to address several key issues.

The factory’s premises transformed into a camp on the opening day of the 26th harvesting season of the factory as farmers gathered to voice their concerns. The demonstration commenced with a march from the Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj temple to the factory entrance, where key announcements were made.

During the gathering, Mauli Dabhade accused the factory of serious irregularities in its balance sheet report for the annual meeting. He alleged that the reported net profit of 8 crores and the provision for a 2-crore rupee income tax payment was detrimental to the sugarcane farmers. Dabhade argued that the sugar industry is typically exempt from income tax, and the factory benefits from a 14 crore rupee income from the Sahvi Project, totalling 24 crore rupees. Furthermore, while sugar is being sold at a rate exceeding 30 rupees per quintal or more than 3000 rupees per metric ton, the factory is only offering a nominal price of 2634 rupees per ton.

Mauli Dabhade asserted that by selling 2 lakh metric tons of sugar at 3700 rupees per ton, the factory has earned an additional 14 crore rupees. In total, the sugar factory has accumulated 38 crore rupees, not including the 200 rupees per metric ton owed to the farmers for the past twelve years. Consequently, the farmers are demanding that the tonne price be accepted and payment be made promptly before Diwali. Farmers from Mulshi, Maval, Khed, Shirur, and Haveli talukas participated in the march.