Sugarcane cultivators from different parts of Sanguem taluka have demanded the resumption of sugarcane crushing activities at the Sanjivani Sugar Factory in Usgao.
Putting forth this demand at a meeting in Rivona, sugarcane cultivators from Kavrem, Kevona, Maina Pirla, Rivona and Shivsorem blamed the State government for the state of affairs at the factory.
Bostiao Simoes, a member of Shetkari Sanghatna, alleged that the government’s decision to shut down the sugar factory was a conspiracy to destroy sugarcane cultivation in the State.
He warned that sugarcane cultivators would not succumb to pressure tactics to shut down the lone sugarcane factory and appealed to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Deputy Chief Minister Chandrakant Kavlekar to intervene.
Echoing similar sentiments, Rivona Vividh Kari Society Chairman Jose Alphonso said the government must make regular payments to cultivators to ensure the effective functioning of the society.
“When payments are delayed, our society is affected and this in turnaffects the borrowing capacity of the society,” said Alphonso.
Shripati Patil, a sugarcane cultivator for 45 years, said the cultivators would not allow the government to shut down the factory. “The present situation is mainly due to negligence by the government and staff,” said Patil.
