While Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is talking tough on those seeking permission to set up sugar factories in Marathwada, former MP Raju Shetti on Wednesday said the State must refuse to entertain any such proposal in the region in the future.
The farmers’ leader told The Hindu that the government should instead encourage farmers to cultivate drought-resistant crops like pulses and oilseeds, which are not only conducive to Marathwada’s climate but would retain moisture and aid in recharging groundwater.
Recently, commenting on the approval for new sugar units, Mr. Fadnavis had said that permission would be given only to those factories which agreed to use drip irrigation — a recommendation also voiced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari at a sugar conclave held in the city last week.