TN: Sugarcane Farmers’ Protest Crosses 105 Days; Govt Remains Aloof

Chennai: Thanjavur sugarcane farmers’ sit-in protest, which began on November 30, 2022, crossed 105 days on March 13. 

The protesting farmers accused the state government of not fulfilling the promises made. 

On February 17, the state agriculture department made two assurances following the farmers’ protest demonstration outside the state secretariat in Chennai.

The first assurance was that all the banks from which Thiru Arooran Sugars Limited fraudulently took loans in the name of farmers between 2016 and 2018 should provide NOC (no objection certificates) to the farmers.

The said mill, located in Thirumandangudi of Thanjavur district, obtained loans worth Rs 200 crore from several banks using the names of farmers. The mill was shut down in 2018 citing losses and was subsequently taken over by the KALS Group, a manufacturer of alcoholic beverages. The new company says it is not answerable to the farmers, leaving the farmers high and dry.

Meanwhile, the farmers have been regularly receiving notices from banks to repay the loans.

The second assurance made by the state agriculture department was that the Thanjavur District Collector should appeal against NCLT’s (National Company Law Tribunal) decision and demand full payment of dues. Arooran Sugars did not pay the farmers RS 85 crore for the cane obtained. The tribunal sanctioned only 57% of the pending payment.

Farmers gheraoed the state secretariat building on February 17. Image courtesy: D Raveendran

D. Raveendran, general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Sugarcane Farmers Association, told NewsClick  that “full pending dues should be disbursed to the farmers along with interest. According to the Sugarcane (Control) (Amendment) Order the payment should be made within 14 days of obtaining cane, or there will be a 15% interest on delayed payment”.

He said although the state has made these two promises, the Thanjavur Collector is not taking initiatives to implement these. “This shows what the government’s actual stand is in the matter. We believe they are being double faced” he said, adding that “the protest will continue till these two assurances are met”.

OTHER SUGAR MILLS

The Association has also named and accused seven mills across Tamil Nadu, including Arooran Sugars, who have not paid sugarcane dues to farmers.

Among these are Shree Ambika Sugars Limited in Cuddalore, which has not paid dues for the past three years. Dharani Sugars and Chemicals in Tirunelveli  has not paid dues for two years.

In the current year, many mills have not paid their dues for several months. The farmers are suffering because they are unable to pay their debts, unable to take new loans and are without money for everyday expenses.

“Till the issue is resolved, the NCLT has diverted sugarcane procurement to nearby mills and suspended seven mills,” said Raveendran.

‘CM MUST INTERVENE’

Krishnamurthy, a farmer from Koonanchery, Thanjavur district, who was participating in the sit-in protest, died on the 84th day due to sudden illness. It is alleged that he was unable to bear the heavy fog, rain and heat, which worsened his health.

Farmers breaking barricades on the 100th day of the protest. Image courtesy: D Raveendran

A total of one lakh sugarcane farmers are said to be affected due to pending payments in Tamil Nadu.

The Association is therefore demanding that the state government should take cognisance  of the sorry plight of  farmers and ensure early payment of arrears.

It also demanded that the currently closed cooperative mills, Madurai National, Mayiladuthurai NPKR and Ambur, should be reopened. The cooperative mills in Thiruthani, Kallakurichi, Madhuranthakam and Amaravati should also be reconstructed and renovated, the association has demanded.

On March 9, a large number of farmers, agricultural workers and citizens participated in a rally organised on the 100th day of protest. They expressed solidarity with  the protesting farmers and urged Chief Minister M K Stalin to directly intervene and resolve the ongoing issue.