Telangana: Sugarcane farmers in Zaheerabad face challenges as sugar mill ceases operations

Sugarcane farmers in Zaheerabad, Telangana, are facing challenges as Trident Sugar Ltd, a local mill, has halted operations. This has compelled farmers to seek alternative markets for their produce, resulting in increased travel to neighboring areas for sales. With Trident’s closure, farmers are redirecting their yield to Ganapathi Sugars near Sangareddy and Gayatri Sugar Factory in Magi, Kamareddy district, incurring significant transportation costs. Approximately 8 tonnes of sugarcane harvested in Zaheerabad require transport, with 70% heading to Ganapathi Sugars and 30% to Gayatri Sugars. Despite Gayatri being farther at 90 km compared to the 120 km journey to Sangareddy, farmers prefer it due to financial strains, facing charges of Rs 500 per tonne for cutting and Rs 600 for transportation. Farmers recall the area’s historical significance in sugarcane cultivation since the establishment of the Nizam Sugar government factory in 1970. They call upon Trident’s owners to either manage the factory efficiently or consider selling it for revival. Previous protests focused on unpaid dues, and farmers now seek government intervention for prompt payments and the swift resumption of mill operations, as the added transportation costs strain the already distressed agricultural community in the region.

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