Pune: The state government’s decision to push the start of the sugar season to November 15 has created a complex situation for sugar factories, farmers, and sugarcane laborers.

With state assembly elections set for November 20, factories face logistical hurdles in bringing laborers for harvesting, while election candidates must ensure the return of these laborers for voting.

Initially scheduled for November 1, the sugar season was delayed by the government to November 15, presenting a series of challenges for the industry.

The Election Commission's announcement of the election date and the subsequent result declaration on November 23 has further compounded these issues.

Each year, thousands of sugarcane laborers migrate from regions like Marathwada and North Maharashtra to other states such as Karnataka and Gujarat.

This year, candidates face the dual challenge of stopping laborers from leaving for work before voting and ensuring those already at the factories can return to vote. Factories, on the other hand, are struggling to gather all the required laborers before the start date.

Transporters and Contractors Express Concern

Transporters and contractors, who have pre-existing contracts with sugar factories, are also facing confusion. They have advanced millions of rupees to laborers, and any disruption or delays could result in massive financial losses.

The logistics of stopping operations shortly after starting to send laborers back for voting may further delay a smooth start to the season until early December.

This delay could lead to reduced sugarcane weight at harvest, affecting yields and jeopardizing the opportunity for farmers to plant a second crop. Farmers are also concerned about pest infestations such as humni damaging the cane while they wait for the factory boilers to start.

Sukhdev Sanap, President of the Loknete Gopinathrao Munde Sugarcane Workers’ Union, expressed concern: “The election date should have been scheduled before November 15, or the factory operations should have started on November 1 to allow sufficient time for harvesting before voting.

Now, factories are apprehensive about disruptions, and candidates must ensure laborers are brought back to vote.”