Pune: 1300 Sugarcane Harvesting Machine Owners To Protest Over Unmet Demands

Amolraje Vasantrao Jadhav, Secretary of the Maharashtra State Sugarcane Harvesting Machine Owners Association, and his colleagues submitted a memorandum with several important demands to Sugar Commissioner Siddharam Salimath on Wednesday. The memorandum included requests for demanding a 50% increase in harvesting rates, a three-year extension on loan repayments, and a 1.5% reduction in trash deduction.

Meanwhile, the 1300 machine owners in the state have warned of an indefinite agitation in front of the Sugar Commissioner’s office in Pune starting March 10.

The memorandum also highlighted the need for an increase in the number of harvesters/transporters of sugarcane machines due to the rapid expansion of agricultural mechanisation. Currently, 1300 machines are operating in the state, with about 900 machines having received no subsidies since 2019. Despite protests, justice has not been served.

"Rising diesel costs have also added to the financial burden, with machines requiring 3 liters of diesel to harvest one ton of sugarcane, costing Rs. 260 to 280. The operating costs, including the salary of the driver and repair costs, total Rs. 460 per ton. However, the factories are paying only Rs. 450 to 500 per ton, making it increasingly difficult for machine owners to manage bank installments," the association added.

The association has urged authorities to address their demands promptly, citing an unfair 13.5% trash deduction imposed on farmers, harvesters, and transporters.

Association members Abhay Kolhe, Rajabhau Lomte, Dhananjay Kale, Ganesh Yadav, Nilesh Bagate, Kaleem Shaikh, Sharad Chavan, Rahul Ithape, and Rajat Nalawade were present during the submission.