Tensions over sugarcane prices have intensified in western Maharashtra as farmers continue to demand better payments for their produce. Amid the ongoing agitation, reports of a tractor carrying sugarcane being set on fire have raised concerns over the growing unrest surrounding the state’s sugarcane crushing season.
Farmers Demand Fair Prices Before Harvesting
The dispute centres on the prices sugar factories are willing to pay farmers for sugarcane during the 2026-27 crushing season. Farmer organisations, including the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana led by Raju Shetti, have demanded an initial payment of ₹4,500 per tonne.
The organisation has also called for sugar factories to announce their rates before beginning harvesting and crushing operations. Farmers argue that rising cultivation costs and concerns over the returns from sugar production make higher payments necessary.
Rajaram Sugar Factory Faces Opposition
The Shri Chhatrapati Rajaram Cooperative Sugar Factory in Kolhapur has faced opposition over the commencement of crushing operations without a mutually agreed sugarcane price. Earlier reports from eSakal documented protests in which members of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana stopped sugarcane-laden tractor-trolleys to oppose the factory’s operations.
The reported incident involving a tractor set on fire has further drawn attention to the tense atmosphere surrounding the dispute. However, the precise circumstances, location and individuals responsible for the reported fire require further independent confirmation.
Protests Spread Across Western Maharashtra
The unrest is part of a broader movement across the region. Loksatta reported separate incidents in Sangli where unidentified individuals set fire to tractors transporting sugarcane. The incidents occurred as farmer groups attempted to stop transportation to sugar factories until their pricing demands were addressed.
Talks Fail to Resolve the Dispute
Recent reports indicate that discussions between farmer representatives, sugar mill managements and state authorities have yet to produce a final settlement. The dispute continues to put pressure on the sugar industry as the new crushing season progresses.
With farmers insisting on a fair price before harvesting begins, further negotiations will be crucial to preventing additional disruption and restoring normal sugarcane transportation across the region.