Belagavi : DC Mohammed Roshan stressed the need to eliminate child labour from sugarcane cultivation and sugar production, stating that a child labour-free supply chain is essential for strengthening Belagavi’s presence in international markets.
Any involvement of children in the supply chain could adversely affect exports and market access, he said. Emphasising that children belong in schools and not workplaces, Roshan said poverty, social challenges, and school dropouts continue to contribute to child labour. Ranjith Prakash, National Project Coordinator of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), said the programme was organised jointly by the ILO and the Karnataka govt. Prakash said international buyers closely scrutinise supply chains before importing sugar, making child labour-free production a necessity.
He noted that Belagavi is among Karnataka ’s leading sugarcane- and sugar-producing districts and has significant export potential. However, multinational companies and global buyers increasingly insist that products be free from child labour at every stage of production. Identifying vulnerable children and addressing the root causes of the problem are essential for its eradication, he added. He highlighted concerns over the continued use of child labour in agriculture and called for coordinated action by govt departments, industries, and community organisations. He also conducted a session on preventing the employment of children in sugarcane harvesting and explained the benefits available to producers who maintain ethical supply chains.
Speaking at a workshop on preventing the use of children in sugarcane harvesting and promoting child labour-free sugar production, held at the court complex here on Thursday, Roshan described child labour as a social evil that requires collective efforts from govt agencies, industries, and civil society.