The Crossbill News Desk
The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) Maharashtra State Council held its first Sugarcane Farmers’ State Convention last week in Kolhapur, the heart of the state’s sugar belt, even as the region reeled under torrential rains and floods. The convention, held at the historic Shahu Smarak Hall, drew over 450 farmers from across districts, underscoring the gravity of the issues faced by cane growers.
The convention was presided over by AIKS State President Umesh Deshmukh, while Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) leader and Reception Committee Chairperson Babasaheb Deokar welcomed the delegates. AIKS State Vice President Dr. Uday Narkar set the tone by explaining the objectives of the meet. The convention was inaugurated by AIKS General Secretary Vijoo Krishnan.
The main resolution was presented by AIKS State Council member Amol Naik and seconded by several leaders, including Deepak Lipne, Yuvraj Bhosale, Sampatrao Savant, A.B. Patil, Uddhav Poul, Bhagwan Bhojane and Sangram Savant.
AIKS National Vice President and President of the All India Sugarcane Farmers Federation (AISFF) D. Raveendran and AIKS Central Kisan Committee member Pushpendra Tyagi delivered key addresses, sharply criticising the exploitation of cane farmers under neoliberal policies of both central and state governments as well as sugar factory managements. CITU-affiliated Sugarcane Cutters Union General Secretary Dr. Subhash Jadhav also extended greetings to the gathering.
The convention elected a 15-member State Sugarcane Farmers’ Coordination Committee with Umesh Deshmukh as convenor. AIKS President Dr. Ashok Dhawale concluded the proceedings, while Chandrakant Kurane of the AIKS Kolhapur District Council proposed the vote of thanks.
A highlight of the event was the decision to launch a statewide agitation of sugarcane farmers in October at the State Sugar Commissioner’s office in Pune. The agitation will focus on a charter of demands, including payment of Rs. 5,500 per tonne at a 9.5 recovery base, introduction of a remunerative State Advisory Price (SAP), reduction of input costs such as fertilisers, pesticides, diesel and power, and sharing of profits from by-products like ethanol with farmers.
Other key demands include raising the minimum sale price of sugar to Rs. 45 per kg with a dual pricing system for domestic and industrial use, ensuring transparency in sugar factory weighing systems, and strengthening the cooperative sugar sector. The convention also called upon the central government to adopt a consistent policy on foreign trade in sugar to protect both farmers and the industry.
Two other significant resolutions were passed. The first opposed the proposed Shaktipeeth Highway project, criticising the “unnecessary” and large-scale land acquisition it would entail. The second demanded that all temple trust lands and inami lands be vested in the names of cultivating peasants.
The convention also saw the participation of activists from the Mukti Sangharsh Samiti across four tehsils of Kolhapur district, led by Sangram Savant, who formally joined the AIKS during the event. They were welcomed by AIKS leadership with the party’s flag.
On the following day, the AISFF coordination committee convened at Panhala, the scenic hill station and historic fort town.
The committee elected Pushpendra Tyagi as its new General Secretary, replacing N.K. Shukla, who stepped down due to age and health reasons. Members also visited a sugar factory in Kolhapur as part of the programme.
The convention was presided over by AIKS State President Umesh Deshmukh, while Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) leader and Reception Committee Chairperson Babasaheb Deokar welcomed the delegates. AIKS State Vice President Dr. Uday Narkar set the tone by explaining the objectives of the meet. The convention was inaugurated by AIKS General Secretary Vijoo Krishnan.
The main resolution was presented by AIKS State Council member Amol Naik and seconded by several leaders, including Deepak Lipne, Yuvraj Bhosale, Sampatrao Savant, A.B. Patil, Uddhav Poul, Bhagwan Bhojane and Sangram Savant.
AIKS National Vice President and President of the All India Sugarcane Farmers Federation (AISFF) D. Raveendran and AIKS Central Kisan Committee member Pushpendra Tyagi delivered key addresses, sharply criticising the exploitation of cane farmers under neoliberal policies of both central and state governments as well as sugar factory managements. CITU-affiliated Sugarcane Cutters Union General Secretary Dr. Subhash Jadhav also extended greetings to the gathering.
The convention elected a 15-member State Sugarcane Farmers’ Coordination Committee with Umesh Deshmukh as convenor. AIKS President Dr. Ashok Dhawale concluded the proceedings, while Chandrakant Kurane of the AIKS Kolhapur District Council proposed the vote of thanks.
A highlight of the event was the decision to launch a statewide agitation of sugarcane farmers in October at the State Sugar Commissioner’s office in Pune. The agitation will focus on a charter of demands, including payment of Rs. 5,500 per tonne at a 9.5 recovery base, introduction of a remunerative State Advisory Price (SAP), reduction of input costs such as fertilisers, pesticides, diesel and power, and sharing of profits from by-products like ethanol with farmers.
Other key demands include raising the minimum sale price of sugar to Rs. 45 per kg with a dual pricing system for domestic and industrial use, ensuring transparency in sugar factory weighing systems, and strengthening the cooperative sugar sector. The convention also called upon the central government to adopt a consistent policy on foreign trade in sugar to protect both farmers and the industry.
Two other significant resolutions were passed. The first opposed the proposed Shaktipeeth Highway project, criticising the “unnecessary” and large-scale land acquisition it would entail. The second demanded that all temple trust lands and inami lands be vested in the names of cultivating peasants.
The convention also saw the participation of activists from the Mukti Sangharsh Samiti across four tehsils of Kolhapur district, led by Sangram Savant, who formally joined the AIKS during the event. They were welcomed by AIKS leadership with the party’s flag.
On the following day, the AISFF coordination committee convened at Panhala, the scenic hill station and historic fort town.
The committee elected Pushpendra Tyagi as its new General Secretary, replacing N.K. Shukla, who stepped down due to age and health reasons. Members also visited a sugar factory in Kolhapur as part of the programme.
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