In a significant move to protect farmers and enhance road safety, the Uttar Pradesh sugarcane administration has rolled out stricter transport and procurement regulations across the state's cane belt. The directives, issued by State Sugar and Sugarcane Commissioner Ministhy S, focus on eliminating unfair charges for growers and reducing accidents involving cane-laden vehicles during the dense winter fog.
Key Directives to Protect Farmers and Improve Visibility
The commissioner has instructed all deputy cane commissioners, district cane officers, and sugar mill managements in Uttar Pradesh's 45 cane-producing districts to ensure that farmers are not charged any fee for loading or unloading their sugarcane at mill procurement centres. This step directly safeguards farmers' financial interests during the crucial crushing season.
To tackle the peril of low visibility, officials have been ordered to launch special drives. These drives will make it mandatory for all tractor trolleys and trucks transporting sugarcane to be equipped with yellow and red fluorescent paint strips. The high-visibility markings are designed to make these vehicles easily noticeable in foggy conditions, thereby preventing collisions.
On-Ground Implementation and Coordination
For effective execution, sugar mills and departmental officials have been told to coordinate closely with the police and the transport department. Ashish Gupta, General Manager of LH Sugar Mill in Pilibhit, reported swift action, stating that over 4,500 tractor trolleys entering the mill yard and 70 sugar mill centres in the village belt were marked with the fluorescent paint within just two days.
He added that this exercise is not a one-time event but will continue throughout the crushing season, with periodic repainting scheduled as the markings fade. Assistant Regional Transport Officer Virendra Singh emphasized that officials are ensuring the fluorescent strips remain visible even after vehicles are fully loaded with cane. Regular inspections are being conducted at procurement centres and mill yards to enforce compliance.
Curbing Malpractices and Ensuring Compliance
Beyond safety, the administration is also cracking down on procurement irregularities. The Cane Commissioner has ordered surprise inspections at procurement centres to curb malpractices such as short-weighing of cane and its diversion to unauthorized channels. These measures aim to bring transparency and fairness to the entire procurement process.
Officials have noted that additional safety measures, like the use of red flags at the rear of cane vehicles, have also proven effective in improving visibility. The combined focus on farmer welfare, road safety, and procedural integrity marks a comprehensive effort by the Uttar Pradesh government to streamline the sugarcane sector during the challenging winter months.
