Photo : Messenger
Allegations of sugarcane measurement manipulation at sugar mills have surfaced in Natore, with claims that for every 1200 kg of sugarcane, 40 kg is being stolen by seasonal purchasers, causing financial hardship for farmers.
Azizur Rahman, a sugarcane grower, lodged a written complaint against ASM Al-Aftab Khan Sweet, a seasonal purchaser at Iksu Buying Center, Bagatipara (Nowshera) of Natore Sugar Mill, alleging manipulation of sugarcane weight.
Rahman revealed that truckloads of sugarcane are being measured inaccurately, with 27 maunds being shown for every 30 maunds of sugarcane weight through careful rigging. He stressed that such malpractice has been ongoing, causing financial losses for the farmers.
Reportedly, around a hundred farmers cultivated sugarcane in 80 acres of land under the Iqsu Purchase Center, aiming to produce 1150 tons of sugarcane. However, manipulation in sugarcane size and discrepancies in payment have been reported by several farmers.
Abdul Khalek, the CEC of the Ikhu Purchase Center, denied the complaint, stating that no irregularities were committed in the measurement of sugarcane. However, Yunus Ali, another sugarcane farmer, filed a written complaint after being cheated, highlighting that farmers are not allowed to witness the actual size of the sugarcane.
Allegations were further exacerbated when local journalists were allegedly assaulted by the procurement officer, Al Aftab, while trying to verify the authenticity of sugarcane measurements.
Al Aftab Khan Sweet, the seasonal purchaser, defended the situation, citing incidental expenses and local arrangements as reasons for the discrepancies.
The General Manager of Natore Sugar Mill, Ferdousul Alam, confirmed receiving complaints from aggrieved sugarcane farmers. He assured that the matter would be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action would be taken to address the allegations of cheating in sugarcane measurements.
The situation at Natore Sugar Mill underscores the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the alleged manipulation of sugarcane measurements, as well as the reported discrepancies in payments to the farmers.
Messenger/Fameema
