Mandya: The cost of transporting sugarcane to factories after harvest should not be passed on to farmers, said deputy commissioner Kumara.Chairing a meeting to address the disputes between farmers and truck owners, Kumara stressed that both, the govt and district administration are committed to safeguarding farmers’ interests. He directed that sugar factories must not deduct transportation charges from payments to farmers. Instead, factories should negotiate directly with the truck owners, and bear the cost themselves, ensuring no financial burden falls on farmers.The DC also warned that truck owners must adhere to rates fixed by the Lorry Commissionerate and refrain from overcharging. “It is the responsibility of the district administration to protect farmers’ rights,” he said, urging lorry owners and sugar factories to coordinate and arrive at a mutually acceptable arrangement.Melukote MLA Darshan Puttannaiah noted that sugarcane harvesters have already arrived in the district. Owing to a shortage of local harvesters, labourers from other districts and states are also assisting with harvesting and transportation.The meeting was attended by chairman of MySugar CD Gangadhar, State Lorry Owners’ president Shanmugam, district RTO Hemavathi, and District Lorry Owners’ president Venugopal.
