Farmers in the state of Maharashtra have been grappling with a disheartening situation, having gone three years without receiving their Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP). In response to this alarming scenario, the Sugar Commissionerate has issued a directive aimed at addressing the issue. The order empowers the District Collectors to take necessary actions for the recovery of unpaid FRP from 31 cooperatives and private factories scattered across 15 districts in the state, amounting to a staggering sum of Rs 1,483.80 crores.
This issue has taken center stage, primarily due to the involvement of these factories with political leaders. Notable political figures connected to these factories include BJP National Secretary Pankaja Munde, BJP MP from Sangli Sanjaykaka Patil, Congress MLA Sangram Thopte from Pune, Amarsingh Pandit from Gevrai, Vikramsinh Pachpute (son of former minister Babanrao Pachpute), Pragya Munde, and MLA Makarand Patil from Satara.
The directive from the Sugar Commissionerate grants the District Collectors the authority to take actions necessary to recover the FRP, such as seizing the factory’s assets, locking the facility, and preventing the release of sugar until the outstanding payments are settled.
