Morena: Scores of farmers in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday held a tractor march protest against the auction of a portion of land earlier given on lease to a sugar mill, which had been lying defunct since 2011.
The protesting farmers oppose the auction process at the mill premises.
The protest named ‘Jail Bharo Andolan’ was supported by Congress as tractors rolled on Morena’s road bearing the party’s flag.
To ensure law and order in the city, Morena District Police has put up barricades to stop protesters from entering the mill’s area, during which, heated arguments were exchanged between protesters and police personnel, according to the report.
Congress MLA from Joura Assembly seat in Morena, Pankaj Upadhyay told media persons that the auction process was put on hold following the protest.
“Morena district administration has assured that the sugar mill will be revived and made functional again. The administration will carry out the auction process later,” he added.
The Morena sugar factory, also known as the Kailaras sugar mill, was established in 1973 but closed in 2010-2011 due to relentless revenue loss.
It is said that the factory was closed due to a shortage of sugarcane and working capital. Notably, the state government has planned to revive the Kailaras Sugar Mill.
Many sugar mills in states like Uttar Pradesh and across the country, which had been shut down for years, are now being reopened, with the rising demand for ethanol playing a key role in their resurgence.