Maoist leader Shrestha urges govt to address sugarcane farmers’ demands

KATHMANDU: Senior Vice Chair of the main opposition party, CPN (Maoist Centre), Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has called on the government to immediately address the demands of sugarcane farmers.

Speaking in solidarity with the ongoing protest led by the Federation of Sugarcane Producers Nepal at Maitighar Mandala, Kathmandu, Shrestha urged the agriculture, finance, and prime ministers to end the compulsion forcing farmers to resort to sit-ins and demonstrations.

He demanded that the government ensure immediate payment of the long-delayed subsidy of Rs. 70 per quintal of sugarcane, while also pledging continuity of the scheme.

Stressing the need to revise the minimum support price of sugarcane, Shrestha drew the government’s “special attention” to the issue.

“It is painful that sugarcane farmers are compelled to struggle either with factory owners for fair payment or with the government for subsidies they rightfully deserve. This situation must end,” Shrestha said.

The Maoist leader reaffirmed his party’s commitment to stand firmly with the farmers’ movement. “I strongly urge the agriculture, finance, and prime ministers to immediately announce the continuation of the Rs. 70 per quintal subsidy and ensure prompt payment. At the same time, the minimum support price of sugarcane must be increased,” he added.

Sugarcane farmers across the country, including those from Madhesh Province, have been staging protests demanding that the government maintain the subsidy of Rs. 70 per quintal and release their pending payments for the fiscal year 2081/82.