The inordinate delay in commencing sugar production at the Mysore Sugar Company Ltd. (Mysugar) would affect the rural economy in the district and increase the financial constraints of the farming community, the BJP said here on Wednesday.
The party’s ‘Raitha Morcha’ members visited Mysugar, the lone State government-owned sugar mill, and interacted with the officials concerned.
The cane growers were told that the mill would commence the cane crushing operations from July 15. Nevertheless, there are no signs of commencing the crushing operations, the morcha members said.
Speaking to presspersons later, they said that the economy in the mill-dependent areas in the district will completely destabilise as the district administration/mill management is not showing any interest to commence the crushing operations.
The State government is keen on privatising the mill and the officials concerned/management are not interested in safeguarding the interests of cane growers. Sugarcane crop on several thousands of acres has been attaining the harvesting stage and the growers are worried a lot following the non-commencement of sugar production activities, they said.
“The officials told us that they are working on plans to commence the operations. But, they are not ready to announce the date [of commencement] as they are not serious about helping the cane growers,” a senior leader said.
The mill, established in 1934, is one of the oldest operating sugar mills in Asia. Cane growers from 102 villages of Mandya, Pandavapura and Srirangapatna taluks supply their produce to the mill.
It had already relieved many workers through a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) during the last crushing season.