The government of Maharashtra has decided to extend the deadline for payment of fair and remunerative price (FRP) to farmers by sugar mills in the state.
At the final hearing of sugar mills of Solapur region, the state sugar commissioner has decided on a three-step deadline for these mills before finally resorting to Revenue Recovery orders to seal sugar godowns, plant and machinery and assets of these mills. So far, show cause notices have been issued to 117 factories, including cooperatives and private mills, for non-payment of FRP to cane growers despite the commencement of current crushing season from November 1.
According to Vipin Sharma, sugar commissioner, Maharashtra, a majority of the mills have paid 70-75% of the FRP dues to farmers. However, the mills still have to pay the remaining amounts to farmers. ” At the hearing held in Pune, mills from Solapur pleaded for more time stating that this is the peak season and recovery could be affected. For the sugarcane crushed in November, 2014, mills have been given time to pay FRP payments till January 31. For the cane crushed in December, mills will have to pay up by February 15 and for cane crushed till January 15, mills have been given time till February 28 to make FRP payments,” Sharma said.
No further extensions will be entertained and if the mills fail to pay by these dates, the Sugar Commissionerate will issue Revenue Recovery Orders, he said. Around 36 mill owners from Solapur had come for the final hearing in Pune on Thursday.