PAYMENT OF SUGARCANE ARREARS TO FARMERS
T.K. RANGARAJAN: According to the Indian Sugar Mill Owners Association, dues owed to the sugarcane farmers by the mills may touch record Rs.17,000 crores by the end of March, 2015. Including Tamil Nadu, every sugarcane-producing State is very much affected. Small and medium farmers are the worst sufferers. Input cost is going up year after year. Mills do not pay the farmers and the farmers are driven to the moneylenders. Sir, the Finance Minister is here. Even Allahabad High Court asked the banks to help the growers and mills in September, 2014 judgment but banks refuse to give money. So, the entire sugar industry is in crisis. I request the Government to interfere immediately to protect the cane-growers; otherwise, suicide of the farmers will increase. Thank you.
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TAPAN KUMAR SEN : Sir, I associate myself with the matter raised by the hon. Member and urge the Government to take immediate steps. Sugarcane production is spread over a number of States.
K.N. BALAGOPAL : Sir, I also associate myself with the matter raised by the hon. Member.
DR. T.N. SEEMA : Sir, I too associate myself with the matter raised by the hon. Member.
RITABRATA BANERJEE (WEST BENGAL): Sir, I too associate myself with the matter raised by the hon. Member.