KATHMANDU: Sugarcane farmers have staged demonstrations in Kathmandu demanding payment of government subsidies owed to them from the last fiscal year.
Farmers affiliated with the Sugarcane Producers’ Federation and the Sugarcane Producers’ Committee gathered at Maitighar Mandala, urging authorities to release the outstanding subsidy at the rate of Rs 70 per quintal.
The protest, which began on Sunday with farmers staging a sit-in along with their sugarcane, continued into Monday.
Carrying placards, the protesters chanted slogans such as “We reject unilateral pricing,” “Stop exploiting sugarcane farmers,” “Pay the subsidy now,” and “Include farmers in price determination.”
The farmers have long accused both the government and sugar mill operators of delaying payments and excluding their voices from crucial decisions on pricing. They say their livelihoods remain at risk unless the subsidies are released promptly and farmers are directly involved in the pricing process.
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