Bengaluru is set to witness a farmers’ protest on August 20, with members of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and the Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers’ Association announcing plans to lay siege to the Vidhana Soudha, reported The Hindu. The protest is aimed at pressing the government to address their long-pending demands.
At a press conference in Bengaluru on Saturday, H. Bhagyaraj, president of the sugarcane growers’ association, said farmers would also hold a ‘satyagraha’ at Freedom Park the same day.
He demanded that the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for the 2025-26 season be fixed at Rs. 4,500 per tonne, with sugar factories bearing harvesting and transportation costs.
Farmers also raised concerns over faulty weighing practices at sugar mills. They demanded that weighing machines be installed in open spaces so that farmers can monitor the process and prevent losses, as per the news report.
The association further claimed that sugar mills owe farmers ₹950 crore in unpaid dues and urged the government to clear the payments immediately.
On the issue of fertiliser shortages, Bhagyaraj accused both the State and Centre of politicising the matter. He urged authorities to ensure adequate supply and take strict action against traders hoarding stocks or selling above official prices.
“Farmers cannot continue to suffer due to government inaction and factory negligence. On August 20, we will make our voice heard at Vidhana Soudha,” Bhagyaraj declared.
