Opposition disrupts Maharashtra assembly on fair and remunerative price to cane growers

MUMBAI: The Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly today stalled the proceedings of the House forcing five adjournments while accusing the government of not being serious about solving the issue of Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) to sugarcane growers in the state.

NCP and Congress leaders in the Lower House objected to the Co-operation Minister Chandrakant Patil's reply to a debate on the issue.

NCP's Ajit Pawar demanded that the government give Rs 500 per tonne to bail out farmers.

Jayant Patil of NCP said the Opposition will not allow functioning of the House till the government gives a satisfactory reply on how it would help the sugarcane growers.

The discussion had been initiated by Patil, Leader of Opposition, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and others on the demand of farmers that they be given FRP as the market price of sugar has drastically come down besides inability of sugar industries to pay farmers for their crop.

They had demanded a comprehensive package and policy decision to bail out farmers in view of the crisis in the sugar industry.

Earlier this morning, while replying to the debate Chandrakant Patil said the government was firmly behind the sugarcane growers and deliberations were on in the state cabinet and also with the Union finance minister on finding a solution to the issue.

"A positive decision would be announced before the end of this session on April 10," he added.

Patil said there was less demand for sugar as compared to production due to which the prices had crashed. He admitted that the state government was pursuing the matter with the Centre which had caused delay.

"An all-party delegation would meet the central government in one or two days to discuss the issue. Similarly, an all-party "Sakhar Parishad" is being held in Pune on April 25," he said.

Intervening in the discussion, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said a policy decision on this issue requires a huge amount of funds and discussions with the Centre are on in this regard.

"We are serious and positive about finding a solution," he said.