This story is from August 12, 2016

Cane price fixed by state must be legally binding: PMK

Cane price fixed by state must be legally binding: PMK
<p>Representative image<br></p>
CHENNAI: Expressing concern over the outstanding dues to farmers for the sugarcane supplied to sugar mills in the state, PMK leader S Ramadoss on Thursday demanded that the state government take necessary steps to ensure the state-advised price fixed for sugarcane purchase be made legally binding.
TOI on Tuesday reported that there were dues of 1,589 crore to farmers in the last three fiscal years, quoting the Union ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution.
"The mills are refusing to pay farmers. The indifference shown by the government is highly condemnable," the PMK leader said.
"While the AIADMK electoral manifesto of 2011 promised payment to farmers, there has been mounting outstanding dues in the last five years. Lack of payment has led to cultivable area shrinking. The government should feel ashamed of this," Ramadoss said. The dues to farmers amounted to Rs 1,030 crore during last fiscal alone, while it was Rs 286 crore and Rs 273 crore in 2014-15, and 2013-14 respectively.
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