Kolhapur: The Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS), a farmers’ organization in Maharashtra, has warned sugar factories in the state to pay additional payment of ₹100 per tonne from the previous crushing season within the next four days. Failure to do so will result in the blocking of sugar transportation, the organization said, reported Loksatta.

The SSS issued warnings while presenting the memorandum of their demands to sugar mills in the district.

The SSS also warned that it will not allow any sugar factory owner to campaign in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections if the dues are not paid.

On November 23, 2023, the SSS blocked the Pune-Bengaluru highway to demand additional Rs 400 per tonnes from the previous crushing season. Following mediation by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and District Collector Rahul Rekhawar, the sugar factories had agreed to pay ₹100 per tonne and given assurance to deposit the amount in the farmers’ accounts within two months.

The SSS has reiterated its demand for the immediate payment of the pending dues, stating that the financial condition of sugarcane farmers is critical. The organization has warned that if the sugar mills continue to delay the payments, it will not allow them to transport sugar and will also prevent their owners from campaigning in the upcoming elections.