Farmers demand continuity of grant on sugarcane

Mahottari, Aug 6: The farmers producing sugarcane have been agitated after the government cut the grants it was providing in their produce.

They have been demanding continuation of government grants so that it, though minimum, would help them secure return of their investment in the cash crop. 

There are nearly 15,000 farmers engaged in sugarcane cultivation in Mahottari district. 

As the government made a budgetary provision, cutting the grants of Rs 70 per quintal of sugarcane they were receiving earlier, it has been a matter for severe concern. The financial backing was received for the produce they used to sell to the sugar mill. 

Agitated tillers in Tarai also submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli via the Office of the Chief District Officer on Sunday. On Tuesday, they even held a demonstration at the gate of the Everest Sugar Mill, Gaushala.

Chair of the Sugarcane Farmers' Association, Naresh Singh Kushwaha, said, "We've been drawing government's attention over the erasure of grants in the budget for this year. We hope the government pays heed to our plight."

Another member Maha Shankar Thing complained that the amount provided in grant for the fiscal year, 2081/82 was also not received yet. Quick release of the grant is essential, he added. The Federation also urged the government to hold dialogue with sugarcane farmers, industrialists and government representatives every year before fixing sugarcane price.

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