Farmers end stir as Maharashtra vows to go tough on defaults in cane dues

Defaulting mills to face stock seizure, attachment of owners' properties; Total cane arrears in state at Rs 5,600 cr, despite policy of paying FRP upfront

Around 8,000 sugarcane farmers ended their day-long protest in Pune late Monday night following an assurance from the Cane Commissioner that immediate action would be taken against mills that defaulted on arrears. 

Industry sources said these farmers, under the banner of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana led by Member of Parliament Raju Shetti, gathered before the Cane Commissioner’s office Monday morning, seeking immediate intervention under the law. The protest ended with sporadic violence after the commissioner assured them that action against the defaulting mills would start on Tuesday.

“Out of 170-odd operational mills spread across the state, 39 haven't even paid a penny since