Factories told to sign agreements with sugarcane growers by October 10

Deputy Commissioner B. Fouzia Taranum has directed sugar factories in Kalaburagi district to enter into bilateral agreements with sugarcane growers by October 10, ahead of the crushing season beginning on November 1.

Chairing a meeting of sugarcane farmers and factory representatives here on Thursday, Ms. Taranum said that factories must clearly spell out the price per tonne, transport costs and other conditions in the agreements.

“Even if it is not possible to sign the agreement with every farmer, factories must, at least, execute agreements with those who are willing. Factories must make payments within 15 days of sugarcane procurement. Any delay will attract 15% interest payable to farmers. This will be strictly enforced,” she warned.

Factories have also been asked to adopt the sugarcane management software, fix uniform harvest and transport charges and ensure that sugarcane is weighed on digital weighing machines at the factory gate before unloading.

“There must be no malpractice in weighing. Factories should not encourage middlemen under any circumstances,” she said.

When some farmers complained of deception in sugarcane weighing, Ms. Taranum directed officials concerned to conduct surprise checks at factories to prevent manipulation in weighing, while the Food Department has been asked to inspect recovery levels.

She further directed GESCOM to take steps to prevent crop damage due to power supply faults and the Pollution Control Board to ensure that factories operate without causing air, water or noise pollution within a five-kilometre radius of their premises.

On the infrastructure front, Ms. Taranum said that factories must provide basic amenities to farmers who bring sugarcane late in the day and are forced to wait overnight. “Factories must build sheds, provide drinking water, toilets and small canteens near their premises,” she added.

Demands

Farmer leaders urged the State government to review the Centre’s Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) calling it “unscientific”. They sought an additional ₹500 per tonne as support from the State, amendments to ensure that delayed payments automatically attract interest credited to accounts of farmers and strict enforcement of timely harvesting without discrimination.

Farmers also demanded SMS alerts on payments and dues.

Deputy Director of Food and Civil Supplies Department Bhimrao briefed the meeting on the FRP fixed for 2025-26. The rate ranges from ₹3,291 per tonne at the Ugar Sugar Works Ltd. to ₹3,519 at Siddhasiri Souharda Cooperative, while other factories in the district, including KPR Sugars, NSL Sugars and Shree Renuka Sugars, have been directed to pay between ₹3,325 and ₹3,515 per tonne.

The meeting was attended by Joint Director of District Industries Centre Abdul Azeem, Deputy Director of Agriculture Somashekhar Biradar, tahsildars of Afzalpur and Yadrami taluks, representatives of the six sugar factories and several farmer leaders and office-bearers of farmers organisations.