Worry takes root even as hope grows in fields of western UP

Nearly 30 km from Moradabad, dusty roads flanked by sugarcane fields lead to Kalakhera village in Joya block, Amroha district.

- ANOUSHKA SAWHNEY

"The road was broken earlier and got fixed recently," said Hemant Singh, a 65-year-old farmer. Over the years, electricity supply has improved, and sugarcane payments are now delivered in a timely manner, Singh said.

Around 15-20 sugarcane farmers in the region told Business Standard that conditions have improved over the last decade. However, there are still unfulfilled needs.

While Moradabad and Muzaffarnagar go to polls in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on Friday, Meerut will vote in the second phase on April 26.

Singh's 32-year-old son who now manages a polyhouse alongside him said there is no assistance even if they want to try something new.

There is a 50 per cent subsidy to run a polyhouse. Once the project is completed, you will get the amount.

"But when you go to claim it, 13 per cent goes to officials and this is fixed." The father and son praised the Yogi Adityanath government for safety in the state. "There is no crime and no robbery now".