Sugar lobby ‘crushes’ MySugar factory

Even though the government is taking all efforts to revive the historical Mysore Sugar (MySugar) factory in Mandya, it is facing a short supply of sugarcane. Thanks to the sugar lobby, all produce is being diverted to private sugar factories.

The Bannari Amman sugar factory in Nanjangud, Mysuru district and Mahadeshwara sugar factory at Kunthuru are playing spoilsport.

More than 200 lorries transport sugarcane from Mandya to these factories every day. The private factory owners are luring cane growers and agents so that the cane is supplied to them. Cane Suppliers Association president S Krishna said, “We had asked the Mysugar factory to book the farmers even before it was opened. Though a few farmers volunteered to supply cane, the factory neglected them. Hence, the farmers are supplying the produce to private factories. Though MySugar has started crushing, only locals are supplying cane in bullock carts. Good quality produce is supplied to private factories,” he said.MySugar factory is facing shortage of cane due to the lobby of private factories. The elected representatives have turned a blind eye towards the issue, allege farmers.

Farmer Nagaraj explained that the farmers have to spend at least Rs 500 for every tonne of sugarcane supplied to other district. But, private factories transport it for just Rs 150. Hence, the farmers agree to supply their produce to them. The sugar lobby is behind this, he added. MySugar factory Managing Director Ajai Nagabushan said he has received complaints about sugarcane being supplied to other districts. “Notices will be served to the private factories. It has been ensured that MySugar does not face short supply. We have 2.80 lakh tonne of sugarcane in stock and every day 1,500 tonne is being crushed, which will be increased in phases. Within 24 hours of supply, Rs 1,500 per tonne is credited directly to the account of the farmers,” he added.