Simbhaoli: Farmers affiliated with the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) have warned of an indefinite agitation against sugar mills over delayed sugarcane payments, alleging that dues from the previous crushing season remain unpaid.
The warning came during the organisation's monthly panchayat held at the Simbhaoli Cane Committee premises on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by district senior patron P.K. Verma and conducted by regional president Naushad Ali. Simbhaoli Sugar Mill General Manager Vishwas Raj and Station House Officer Suresh Kumar were also present, Hindustan reported.
During the meeting, farmers discussed a range of agricultural issues, with delayed sugarcane payments emerging as the primary concern. District president Jite Chauhan said farmers in the district have yet to receive payments for cane supplied during the last crushing season, creating financial difficulties for many farming families.
He alleged that despite court directions requiring payment within 15 days and the provision of interest on delayed dues, the orders are not being implemented. Chauhan announced that following the organisation's national brainstorming camp in Haridwar from June 15 to 18, BKU would launch an indefinite gherao of sugar mills if the payment issue remains unresolved.
The panchayat also unanimously reappointed P.K. Verma as the chief district patron of the organisation.
State vice-president Dinesh Tyagi stressed the importance of organisational discipline and directed office-bearers not to organise protests, demonstrations, memorandums or panchayats without the approval of the district president.
Several other farmer-related issues were raised during the meeting. Division general secretary Virendra Singh criticised alleged forced toll collection and inappropriate behaviour towards farmers on the Ganga Expressway and warned of protests if the matter is not addressed.
Former district spokesperson Captain Rajesh Chaudhary highlighted complaints of urea black marketing, stating that farmers were struggling to obtain fertiliser during the ongoing crop season. Division vice-president Sabbu Chaudhary called for a membership drive to strengthen the organisation, while Brijghat town president Gaurav Mishra raised concerns over pending electricity bills, power cuts, deteriorating power infrastructure and alleged corruption in the electricity department.
Hundreds of farmers and agricultural workers attended the panchayat, where discussions focused on sugarcane dues, fertiliser availability and other challenges affecting the farming community.