The paper mills later refused to pay the revised prices saying they couldn’t afford the hike
The Subabul and Eucalyptus farmers in the state are a bit relieved as the purchases of these wood started after a gap of several months.
VIJAYAWADA: The Subabul and Eucalyptus farmers in the state are a bit relieved as the purchases of these wood started after a gap of several months. Though this has cheered the farmers and the paper mill owners, the postponement of the enhanced prices till September of this year led to disappointment among farmers.
After repeated rounds of talks between the farmers, paper mills in the presence of the officials of the various concerned government departments, it was decided a few days ago to enhance the prices of subabul and eucalyptus To Rs 4,600 and Rs 4,800 per tonne respectively. This was Rs 200 more than the previous prices.
However, the paper mills later refused to pay the revised prices saying they couldn’t afford the hike. Irked over this the government has stalled the purchases. The farmers hoped that they will get the hike by this, but the deadlock continued for weeks as the paper mills had stuck to their guns and refused pay the enhanced prices.
This led to resentment among farmers who were disappointed with the non-commencement of wood purchases for days together. This was quite evident in those farmers who were badly in need of money to meet the daily needs.In this backdrop, the paper mills approached the Marketing department higher officials and requested them to allow them to purchase the wood immediately at the older rates. They agreed to pay the enhanced prices from September, this year.
After getting written commitment in this regard and bank guarantees, the officials allowed the paper mills to resume wood purchases in the state following which they began on Monday at some marketing yards and on Tuesday in some.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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