AGRICULTURE

Cane growers threaten stir

Ludhiana, December 30
Sugarcane farmers of the state have threatened to launch an agitation if their long- pending demands were not met with and if the government failed to clear their dues soon.

Members of six organisations of farmers today met the Deputy Commissioner and handed over a memorandum to him listing their demands. According to Mr Mohinder Singh Seelon Kalan, President of Jamhoori Kisan Sabha, said that they were being paid Rs 80 to 90 per quintal of sugarcane while the rate was Rs 100 per quintal.

He said sugar mills had not paid their dues for the past two years. The farmers demanded that the minimum support price of sugarcane should be fixed at Rs 130 per quintal. They said they were demanding the same for the past two years but to no avail.

Mr Raghuvir Singh Benipal, another leader, said while the government was encouraging the farmers to diversify their crops, the sugarcane farmers were being harassed. TNS

EDUCATION

School prize distribution

Ludhiana, December 30
A prize distribution function of Nav Bharat Public School was held here today. Dr Ashok Puri, president of Lion’s Club, was the chief guest while Mr C.S. Sethi, Chief Manager, SBI, Civil Lines, inaugurated the function.

Mirza and bhangra were also presented. Prizes were given to several students for excellence in various fields. OC