Tensions Flare as Sugarcane Transport Sparks Protests

In Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, farmers are protesting the transportation of sugarcane to Bihar, claiming it undermines the local sugar industry. The start of the sugarcane crushing season, typically a time of economic activity, has instead brought frustration and uncertainty.

Trade Union Raises Alarm Over Illegal Transport

Manoj Modanwal, City Vice President of the Indian Industry Integration Trade Union, has sharply criticized the movement of sugarcane out of Kushinagar. During a public meeting on Friday, Modanwal stated that the practice violates existing rules.

“There is a clear prohibition on sending sugarcane from Kushinagar to Bihar, yet it's evident this ban is not being enforced,” Modanwal said, urging immediate action from local authorities. He also highlighted that unchecked transportation could worsen the already fragile sugar economy of the district.

Local Sugar Mills Struggle, Farmers Face Mounting Pressure

Kushinagar’s sugar industry has seen better days. Once home to nine operational sugar mills, the district now has only a handful running, while the closed mills owe farmers crores in unpaid dues.

“We’ve received no effort to either revive these mills or clear the debts,” Modanwal emphasized. This has left farmers in a precarious position, with reduced options for selling their crop and a growing reliance on government intervention.

A Plea for Government Support

Farmers and trade union leaders are urging the government to step in and protect the struggling sugarcane sector. “Without intervention, not only will farmers’ livelihoods be at risk, but the entire sugar economy in Kushinagar could collapse,” Modanwal warned.

The demands include stricter enforcement of transport bans and financial support for reopening closed mills. Addressing these issues, they argue, is critical for stabilizing the local economy and ensuring farmers receive fair compensation.

A Critical Moment for Kushinagar’s Farmers

The dispute over sugarcane transportation highlights the broader challenges facing Kushinagar’s agriculture sector. With mills closing and debts piling up, the district’s sugarcane farmers find themselves at a crossroads.

While the protests have drawn attention, real change depends on how swiftly and effectively authorities respond. For now, farmers are left hoping for a resolution that secures their livelihoods and revives the region’s sugar industry.





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