Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Brahmavar (SP)

Brahmavar, Jan 16: Farmers from various parts of Udupi district had raised sugarcane in 2018 based on the perception that the sugar factory at Brahmavar would be revived soon, based on tall promises made by politicians. It was felt that if the people raised sugarcane, the government might show interest in the early revival of the factory. The farmers also felt that if the government planned to get the factory to begin manufacturing of sugar again, the sugarcane had already raised could be used as seeds. But there are not developments that can be termed as optimistic as regards the revival of this sugar factory. The farmers therefore are worried how to dispose the sugarcane they have grown.

In fact, Varahi irrigation project was initiated to encourage raising of sugarcane crops. But by the time water from the project reached the agricultural fields, the sugar factory had been closed down. When water reached his fields for the first time, Umanath Shetty, a farmer from Shanadi village, planted sugarcane in his12-acre fields. He had the distant hope that the factory might become functional again. But there have not been any developments on this front. Therefore, Shetty, along with friend Ramachandra Bhat, planned to set up a jaggery making unit in his field.

The jaggery unit was set at an expense of about Rs 5.5 lac. Ten workers for cutting down sugarcane, more to push sugarcane into the crusher, and workers having experience in making of jaggery were hired. 

This effort has given rise to curiosity among the people. Till about three decades ago, jaggery making unit was a usual sight in the district, but with the opening of sugar factory, they had slipped into the oblivion. The current generation has not seen such units. Therefore, people go to Shanadi, a hamlet far away from busy towns and roads, seeking fresh organic jaggery, fresh sugarcane juice, and melted jaggery and this unit has become quite popular in the region.

In this unit, Umanath Shetty's sugarcane is crushed for five days, and Ramachandra Bhat uses the facility to crush his sugarcane for two days. On an average, three tonnes of jaggery is manufactured every day, and fresh jaggery is sold right from one kg to entire tin. No chemicals or sugar are used in the process and therefore, the jaggery made here is popular. Everyday 100 to 150 persons come here to see the unit and buy jaggery. School students too come here often to get first-hand experience.

Umanath Shetty, who is also an hotelier, is now an active agriculturist. His friend, Ramachandra Bhat, is also a good farmer. He has grown sugarcane in two acres in between cashew plantation by using sprinklers. Both the friends work hard together in this facility, which makes one to feel proud of them.

Shanadi was known for juicy sugarcane in the past. If the government pays attention to the problems of sugarcane farmers, they can hope to see better days and begin growing sugarcane in more fields.