No GR,no harvesting machines this season

The delay by the state government in issuing a government resolution (GR) on the much-publicized 50 per cent subsidy for buying 200 mechanical sugarcane harvesters is likely to make them unavailable this harvest season,about to start on November 1 in the state,say sugarcane growers.

A few months ago,the state government had announced plans to provide subsidy to sugar factories and farmers for buying sugarcane harvesters this year. Factory owners are saying that even if the GR is issued now,the machines would not be available this harvesting season as it would take time for placing orders and importing the machines from countries like Holland and Thailand.

“After the sugar commissioner sought applications from those willing to buy harvesters,we had submitted application for two machines. Until the government issues a GR regarding subsidy,we won’t be able to place the orders. Even if the government issues the GR now,by the time the machines arrive,the season would be over,” said Vaibhav Naiknavadi,chairman,Hutatma Sugar Mills,Sangli.