Sugar Minister Shivanand Patil Visits Malaprabha Sugar Factory After Farmers Complain
Belagavi: Karnataka’s Sugar Minister, Shivanand Patil, made a surprise visit to the Malaprabha Cooperative Sugar Factory in Belagavi district after receiving serious complaints from farmers and local citizens. Farmers had alleged that the factory has not paid them for the sugarcane they supplied and accused the management of financial irregularities. According to them, the factory board misused crores of rupees and hid large quantities of sugar. They also submitted evidence, including call recordings and documents, to higher officials and the Lokayukta.
During the visit, the minister held discussions with factory staff and examined relevant files and records. The factory chairman admitted that the factory is going through a financial crisis. He said the main reason was a drop in sugarcane supply as many farmers were now selling to nearby private factories. He also claimed that farmer leaders were not cooperating with the management.
Currently, the factory owes around ₹135 crore to banks, and with interest, the total amount has increased to ₹160 crore. Worried farmers are demanding that the current management board be dissolved immediately. They are also asking the government to carry out a proper investigation, recover the misused money, appoint a government officer to manage the factory, and provide financial help to save the factory.
Minister Shivanand Patil assured that he will submit a detailed report to the government and take necessary action soon. The future of hundreds of farmers and factory workers depends on swift and strict decisions in this matter.
Source:TOI
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