UP government red-flags under-weighment of sugarcane

Lucknow

Even as sugarcane crushing is gaining momentum in Uttar Pradesh (UP), the state government has warned against irregularities in the purchase of the cash crop.

UP is the country’s largest sugar producer with nearly 119 mills participating in the current crushing season (Oct-Sep) 2021-22. The annual pay-out to farmers on account of cane purchase alone by mills is to the tune of Rs 35,000 crore.

According to UP cane and sugar commissioner Sanjay Bhoosreddy, 213 irregularities, including 17 cases of serious nature, were detected during the inspections of mill gates and cane purchase centres in the state.

Later, notices were issued to occupiers of sugar mills and weighing clerks in 128 cases of irregularities, while licenses of 14 weighing clerks were suspended. Besides, four police cases were registered in grave cases of under-weighment and illegal purchase of sugarcane.

Till December 15, the UP mills had produced more than 2 million tonnes (MT) of sugar.

Meanwhile, instructions have been issued to ensure the smooth supply of cane to the sugar mills as well as to impose effective control on under-weighment to protect the interests of farmers.

The action was taken following complaints regarding the adoption of fraudulent methods of under-weighment due to a nexus between the original weighment equipment manufacturer, software provider and AMC provider.

Under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, and the relevant rules 2011, it is the responsibility of the provider to keep the equipment and software error-free when it is used for weighing.

In cases of irregularities, the action is taken under the provisions of the Sugarcane (Supply and Purchase) Act, 1953, and the UP Sugarcane Supply and Purchase Rules, 1954, by issuing notices against the defaulter mill and weighing clerks.