Belagavi: In what could be a bonanza for sugarcane farmers in taluks bordering Maharashtra, factories in the neighbouring state are eyeing produce from Karnataka to meet demand this crushing season, after lakhs of hectares of cane were destroyed by floodwaters.
Factories in Maharashtra are already making sustained bids to procure cane from Karnataka by offering sops. These factories are targeting crops in Athani, Chikkodi and Raibag in Belagavi district. Factories in Karnataka crush around 4 lakh tonnes of cane per season, of which 1.5 lakh tonnes are crushed in Belagavi district alone. However, this year, almost 55% of crops have been destroyed by floods.
The situation in Maharashtra is worse. Kolhapur district alone, which was badly affected by floods, lost more than 60% of sugarcane crops. So factories there have no option but to look for produce from elsewhere.
Farmers in Karnataka generally prefer to sell their produce in Maharashtra since factories there offer better prices than those in the state. Last year, factories in Maharashtra offered Rs 2,700 to Rs 3,000 per tonne, while the price in Karnataka never rose beyond Rs 2,400.
Besides, with the government still dilly-dallying over flood compensation, farmers are more than ever inclined to sell their produce to Maharashtra factories which are offering an advance to buy fertilizer for the next crop, instant payments and major discounts in cutting and harvesting charges. Factory personnel approach farmers directly.
Cooperative factories in the state are facing a big challenge to procure cane. Sensing stiff competition, Ghataprabha Cooperative Sugar Factory in Gokak, mentored by MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi, began crushing two weeks ago, although factories in the district are yet to launch activities.
Farmer leader Chunappa Pujari said factories in the state have failed to offer ‘scientific’ prices so it should not oppose farmers from selling their produce in Maharashtra. He warned of protests if farmers are stopped from selling their produce in the neighbouring state