Sahyadri sugar factory begins 53rd crushing season; Balasaheb Patil says it is ready for every challenge

The 53rd crushing season of Sahyadri Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana began at Yashwantnagar in Karad taluka. The season was inaugurated by the factory's vice chairman Kantilal Bhosale-Patil and his wife Sandhyarajani Kantilal Bhosale-Patil. On the occasion, the factory's chairman and former Cooperation and Marketing Minister Balasaheb Patil said Sahyadri does not pay a lower price for sugarcane.

Balasaheb Patil said members are the strength of the factory and the cane of all members will be crushed. According to him, however many troubles come, Sahyadri is ready to face the challenges.

He said the cooperative sector faces the threat of drought and the situation is unprecedented. The Karad North area is under the shadow of drought. Dam water is not being managed, though water will have to be released in March-April. Big difficulties lie ahead, he said.

On cane crushing, Balasaheb Patil made it clear that members will get equal justice and no one will be discriminated against. Farmers have a right to water, but there is too much politics in it, he said. He said providing water through lift irrigation is the government's duty. He also said there is no politics in the Sahyadri factory.

Vice chairman Kantilal Bhosale-Patil said Sahyadri has brought prosperity and has become the lifeblood of the community. He said the factory has grown prosperous in 53 years. Saying that the 12,500-tonne factory will run on everyone's dedication, he appealed to all to uphold the factory's reputation.

At the event, it was said that Sahyadri has given justice to its members and the factory is well managed. Private factories pose a challenge and members do not get justice there, it was said. Members have faith in Sahyadri, and this faith was seen at the general body meeting. The factory has been built with foresight, it has expanded, and it runs without bringing in politics. A call was made to keep up the pattern of "If I supply cane, I will supply it only to Sahyadri".

Former chairman Devraj Patil said the slogan should be "If I supply cane, it will be only to Sahyadri". He said there are members who love the Sahyadri factory and that the factory is in the hands of a capable person like Balasaheb Patil. Expansion has been important, he said, and the question of workers is also important and is their responsibility. The executive director, officials and employees do good work. An appeal was made to stand behind Balasaheb Patil in times of crisis.

Those present included former chairman Devraj Patil, Shahaji Kshirsagar, Ajitrao Patil Chikhlikar, former chairman Mansingrao Jagdale, Sangeeta Salunkhe, Tanajirao Salunkhe, Ravindra Pawar, Suhas Borate, Shankarrao Khape, Uddhavrao Borate, Pranav Tate, Prashant Yadav, Daji Pawar and Pratap Chavan. Shahaji Kshirsagar and Mansingrao Jagdale offered guidance. Executive director Vishwajit Shinde gave the introduction, Dadasaheb Patil conducted the proceedings and Rahul Nikam proposed the vote of thanks.