Hubballi: Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers Association will picket Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on September 18 urging for release of pending dues from EID Parry Sugar Factory in Hullatti of Haliyal taluk, said association general secretary S N Banavannavar.He told reporters on Friday that in 2016-17, the factory had assured cane growers that it would pay an additional Rs 305 per tonne, but failed to release the funds.“Whenever we asked the factory authorities about the dues, they told us that they could not pay as the factory’s financial condition was not good. However, the factory authorities have agreed in writing before the Karwar deputy commissioner that they will clear the dues by April 30, but failed to keep its words”, he alleged.“Despite several protests and approaching the authorities, the matter was not settled. Hence, we have decided to intensify the agitation and take the matter to Bengaluru,” he said. More than 5,000 farmers must be paid by the factory and 4,00o of them will take part in the protest in Bengaluru, he added.“Before the assembly elections, Dharwad district minister and Haliyal MLA R V Deshpande had assured that he would ensure the dues are paid. But now he has forgotten his words and is talking in favour of the factory authorities,” said Banavannavar.“The farmers are facing a financial crunch. We are even unable to celebrate the Ganesha festival. Yet, none of the elected representatives are ready to heed to our demands,” he alleged.The associations district president Nijaguni Kelageri and office bearers Ulavappa Belageri, Vasant Dakappanavar, and others were present.

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