Raju Shetti to launch Solapur sugarcane price agitation from Pandharpur on Sunday

Raju Shetti, leader of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, is now set to launch an agitation over sugarcane prices in Solapur district. He had earlier agitated on the same issue in Kolhapur and neighbouring districts. Shetti alleges that sugar mill owners in Solapur district are not paying cane growers a fair price, and he has warned of an agitation on this charge.

Shetti will sound the bugle for the agitation from Pandharpur on Sunday, the 8th. The same day, at 10 am, he will hold a press conference in Pandharpur to explain the direction and strategy of the coming agitation.

Shetti made it clear that, just as farmers were won a higher price through struggle in Kolhapur, a fight against mill owners will be mounted along the same lines in Solapur. He has appealed to farmers to be ready for the struggle.

In Kolhapur, Shetti had withdrawn the rasta roko agitation under way at the Kini toll plaza, and traffic on the highway returned to normal. According to Shetti, he stood firm to the end on the demand for Rs 4,000 in a single payment, while other organisations accepted the proposal of Rs 3,900. Shetti said he withdrew the agitation, with displeasure, keeping in mind the condition of transporters and the police.

The sugarcane price agitation in Kolhapur has been resolved. Mill owners proposed a first instalment of Rs 3,900 per tonne without any deduction. They also said a further Rs 100 would be paid after the crushing season ends. If the sugar price reaches Rs 4,500 per quintal, a further Rs 200 has been proposed.