Maharashtra Sugar Industry Poaching Crisis
Western Maharashtra districts such as Sangli, Satara, Solapur and Pune are likely to struggle the most to meet the increased cane requirements. Many believe it a sign of revival of the sugar industry with the capacity additions but millers are least convinced as to the extent of cane “poaching”.
The expanded crushing capacities of mills can yield, only if the farmers plan on more areas under drought-free zones. As per sources, Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People said, “The entire Marathwada region and neighbouring districts such as Solapur are already drought-prone. Higher cane acreage amid depleting water tables will pose a serious threat to food security, apart from having long-term environmental effects magnified by climate”.