Sugarcane Farmers in Nawalparasi Face Financial Crisis Due to Unpaid Dues
Summary
Sugarcane farmers in Nawalparasi face severe financial difficulties due to delayed and unpaid payments from sugar mills, with some mills closed and government payment provisions not implemented. This situation has led many farmers to reduce sugarcane cultivation and shift to other crops.
Key Points
- Many sugarcane farmers in Nawalparasi have not received payments from sugar mills for several months to years, with amounts running into millions of rupees.
- The government's governance reform agenda mandates payment within 25 days for agricultural produce, but this provision is not being implemented in practice.
- Indira Sugar Mill in Nawalparasi has been closed, adding to payment delays, while Lumbini and Bagmati Sugar Mills are also delaying payments.
- Due to financial losses and non-payment, farmers are reducing sugarcane cultivation and shifting to alternative crops like bananas and paddy.
