Deputy Commissioner Kumar on Tuesday directed all sugar factories in Mandya district to clear the pending dues of sugarcane growers without delay and warned of strict action against those failing to do so.
Presiding over a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office to review issues concerning farmers, Mr. Kumar said that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for constructing a boiler house at MySugar Factory in Mandya has been submitted. Installation of the new boiler will begin shortly, he added.
Referring to the 400-year-old Chikka Devaraya Sagar (CDS) canal, the Deputy Commissioner said that major development works are currently in progress and urged farmers to cooperate. A survey has been conducted on crop losses caused by a CDS canal breach at Srirangapatna, and details have been uploaded to the compensation portal. “The compensation amount will soon be directly credited to the accounts of eligible beneficiaries,” he informed.
Mr. Kumar clarified that the compensation and honorarium provided by the government to farmers should not be adjusted towards loan recovery. “Banks are not permitted to deduct these funds against loans. We are bound by RBI regulations and cannot violate them. Farmers facing issues with banks can submit a list of grievances, and we will recommend necessary relaxations of RBI rules,” he explained.
Mr. Kumar said that two meetings have already been held with microfinance institutions that have caused distress to farmers. Directions have been issued to ensure they operate in line with the guidelines issued by the district administration, and a review will be conducted to verify compliance, the Deputy Commissioner added.
Illegal mining
Warning against illegal mining, Mr. Kumar stated that blasting activities are strictly prohibited within a 20-km radius of the Krishnaraja Sagar dam. “Those engaged in illegal mining anywhere in the district will face stern legal action,” he warned.
The Deuty Commissioner said that temporary registration centres for paddy and ragi procurement have been opened across the district, and a proposal has been sent to the government to set up permanent centres. “Currently, more farmers are registering for ragi procurement, while paddy registrations are relatively fewer. However, as the registration window remains open, numbers are expected to rise soon,” he informed.
