Last December, sugarcane farmers gathered in Kathmandu for a weeklong protest for their due payments. The government consoled them and promised to contact the mill owners from 1st January this year. The Sugarcane Farmers Struggle Committee had also signed a five-point agreement with the farmers.
However, the promise didn’t get fulfilled. Farmers from Sarlahi have gathered in Kathmandu to begin the protest on December 13. The major opposition party, Nepali Congress, is also supporting the farmers joining the protests in Maitighar Mandala.
Sugarcane farmers protesting today. Credit: Routine of Nepal Banda.
The agitating farmers do not want to return empty this year. That’s why they are continuing their protests despite COVID-19 and cold weather. On December 18, the Minister of Industry and Commerce and Supplies, Lekharaj Bhatta, negotiated with the farmers in Maitighar Mandala.
Rakesh Mishra, the leader of the protest, denied the Minister’s negotiation. He said, “We will review the protests and make a decision.”
Farmers Without A State
Without the hardworking farmers, there is no prosperous nation. And, for a country like Nepal, agriculture is the backbone of the economy. So, to turn Nepal prosperous, the state should encourage every farmer.
However, despite supporting them, the Nepal Government’s fake promises turn bitter and bitter with sugarcane farmers.
On the one hand, PM K.P. Oli is promising for Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali on TikTok. The sugarcane farmers are agitating in this cold weather to receive their own money. Isn’t this ironic?
Sugarcane farmers have received no form of payment for their work from the mills. The mill owners have neglected them for two years. Some farmers are yet to receive the due for several years.
It’s estimated the four mills, Lumbini, Indira, Annapurna, and Shree Ram, haven’t paid over 56 crores. According to the Home Ministry, the owners should spend seven years in jail and pay 70 thousand as a penalty for violating a signed agreement.
Further, the government had no interest in this case. Even though strict laws protect a farmer’s right to security (payment and insurance), the state has neglected them.
Home Ministry and Industry Ministry showed little interest in resolving the issue. Despite summoning the mill owners for the payment, the matter is yet to be resolved. Recently, an arrest warrant was issued for four sugar mill owners on December 16.
It’s been four days, and Nepal Police haven’t traced the mill owners. This shows a lack of interest from the state level to arrest the culprits. The government’s lack of seriousness for the farmers is creating dissatisfaction.
The Government Should Not Repeat Last Year’s Mistake
Last year’s agreement didn’t work for the sugarcane farmers. Only meeting and negotiating will not work this year. The farmers have come to Kathmandu for their money – not for the fake promises.
The opposition party, Nepali Congress, has also expressed solidarity with the farmers. Ram Chandra Poudel met with the sugarcane farmers during the sixth day of protest. He assured the farmers that Nepali Congress would stand firm on their side.
This year, the situation is unique for the government. People are protesting for the restoration of the Hindu Monarchy, and the opposition is also engaged to create a public vote in their favor.
The leading party, Nepal Communist Party (NCP), is also suffering an internal clash. It’s now turning difficult for P.M. K.P. Oli to handle all the issues. The farmers should receive their payment with no excuses. Otherwise, repeated frustrations over the present political situation might put the government in a difficult position.
