UP: Farmers' dues not cleared, sugar mills asked to stop crushing cane

As farmers' dues were not cleared, seven sugar mills in Muzaffarnagar have been instructed to stop crushing cane. Notices were sent to these mills as they failed to clear farmers' dues amounting to Rs 900 crore. Three of the mills have stopped the crushing while four others will soon stop the ongoing work.

Muzaffarnagar: Three sugar mills at Tikola, Bhesani and Khaikhedi villages in the district have been stopped from crushing cane as they had not cleared the farmers' dues, said officials on Saturday.

"Four other mills will also stop crushing sugarcane for the same," they said.

According to District Cane Officer (DCO) RD Dwivedi, notices were sent to all seven sugar mills in the district to stop the crushing work and clear farmers' dues amounting to Rs 900 crore, which they failed to do so.

"The district authorities have directed the sugar mills to clear farmers' dues, failing which strict action would be taken against them, he said.