Cane farmers’ associations warn to launch protest if their dues are not cleared immediately

KATHMANDU, August 23: Sugarcane farmers have urged the government to help them get the past dues of their sold out products from the sugar producers.

Issuing a joint press statement on Sunday, six associations of sugarcane producers have warned to launch stern protests if they do not get the payment dues without any delay. They have also criticized the government bodies for protecting the ‘unscrupulous’ owners of sugar mills.

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The sugarcane farmers have demanded implementation of the five-point agreement reached between the Sugarcane Farmers Struggle Committee and the Ministry of Industry on January 3, 2020. They complained that they have not received their dues even though the government assured them to help settle their dues.

According to the Sugarcane Farmers Struggle Committee, the farmers have received only Rs 330 million and are yet to be paid Rs 410 million even after their protests in the capital in November and December last year. 

Mahalaxmi Sugar Mill and Annapurna Sugar Mill each owe Rs 120 million to the sugarcane farmers, Lumbini Sugar Mill owes Rs 30 million, Indira Sugar Mill Rs 40 million, while Bhagwati Khadsari Sugar Mill is yet to pay Rs 5 million to farmers.