Muzaffarnagar riots lead to downfall of the sugar industry

The recent riots in Muzaffarnagar have led to the downfall of the sugar industry in Uttar Pradesh. Such is the fear among the farmers that they don't want to return to fields even during the harvest season.

The sugar cane economy of Shamli-Muzzaffarnagar belt has been badly hit by the complete breakdown of the social framework of the area.

Also Read: Pay sugarcane farmers' dues immediately: HC tells UP govt

The Sugarcane farmers don't have the man power and the landless workers are losing out the most lucrative work period. But with tensions lingering the victims don't want to return to the fields again.

UP is the country's largest Sugarcane producing state and this region is the biggest contributor. But this time, the social polarisation is taking a toll on the harvest. "We don't have enough man power for harvest", said a farmer. While another farmer asserted,"We assure the people who have left that there is no problem."

Shamli District Magistrate PK Singh said, "The situation on the ground isn't as normal as it should be.

Hit by the acute labour crisis some of the farm owners are assuring full support to those who have left the village for relief camps.

But while some say they are eyeing the compensation and thus not returning, others are coming back to work. Most, however, still look at claims of normalcy with doubt.

Already hit by the standoff with the sugar mills, this social breakdown could leave many stomachs hungry ahead in the long cold winter.