Vijayapura: Allegations of sugar factories underreporting the weight of sugarcane have prompted the State’s Sugar Minister, Shivananda Patil, to pledge action against offending factories based on farmers’ complaints with evidence. The government plans to combat this issue by introducing electronic weighing machines next year.
Minister Shivananda Patil made this announcement during a discussion with reporters at the Sri Basaveshwara Temple in Kuntoji, Muddebiha Taluk, as part of the preliminary meeting for the pontiff Dr. Channaveera Deva’s coronation jubilee. Patil stressed the need for fair distribution of profits from all sugar factory by-products, including ethanol, to farmers. Sugarcane procurement should adhere to government Maximum Retail Price (MRP) rates to ensure the industry benefits farmers, and factories must adhere to government directives.
Patil also shared his thoughts on the possible renaming of Vijayapur district as Basava District or Basava Nadu, emphasizing that such changes should serve the public interest rather than political agendas. He expressed his dedication to the region and its historical importance, deeming political exploitation of the renaming issue inappropriate.
The Minister also expressed his satisfaction at being elected unopposed as the President of the Vijayapur District Central Cooperative Bank, a significant event during the bank’s centenary celebrations. However, he expressed disappointment at the postponement of the uncontested election of the bank’s director for the Muddebihala PKPS constituency. The event was attended by Dr. Kuntoji Sansthan Hiremath and received blessings from Sangamnath and Basavanna.
Notably, Vijayapur district was recently renamed Vijayapura, and the idea of renaming it after Basaveshwara has ignited discussions. Basaveshwara, who was born in Basavan Bagewadi within the district, is celebrated for spreading the message of equality worldwide, sparking the debate about renaming the district to honor his legacy.
