Sharad Pawar has expressed concern over the major losses suffered by farmers across the state due to heavy rains. He criticized the state government’s decision to forcibly recover funds from sugarcane producers for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, calling it “completely wrong.” Pawar urged the Chief Minister to reconsider this decision and emphasized the need for proper damage assessment and government support for the affected farmers.
According to Pawar, “Farmers and crops have suffered significant losses due to excessive rainfall. Data from the Vasantdada Sugar Institute shows that sugarcane crops have been severely damaged in many areas of Marathwada and Western Maharashtra.” He added that a detailed assessment of the damage is necessary.
Pawar also mentioned that a Governing Council meeting, which will include all sugar factories in the state, is scheduled for the 12th. He expressed hope that the state government would provide maximum assistance to farmers following this meeting, as reported by ANI.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the state government’s decision to impose a levy on sugar mills. He clarified that the contribution would be taken from the profits of the mills and not from the farmers’ earnings, according to PTI.
Last week, in response to the heavy rainfall and flood-related losses across parts of Maharashtra, the government announced a levy of Rs 10 per tonne of sugarcane on mills for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, along with an additional Rs 5 per tonne to assist flood-affected farmers.
Opposition leaders have alleged that this decision will adversely affect farmers. However, speaking at an event at a sugar factory, CM Fadnavis stated, “There are around 200 mills in the state. One mill may have to contribute about Rs 25 lakh to the CMRF. We are seeking funds from the profits of sugar mills, not from farmers,” reported PTI.
(With ANI and PTI)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/maharashtra-floods-state-should-help-farmers-not-take-from-them-says-ncp-sp-chief-sharad-pawar-23597312