Mysuru: Members of the State Sugarcane Growers’ Association staged a protest in Mysuru on Tuesday, urging the government to fix the sugarcane price at ₹4,500 per tonne, reported The Hindu.
The farmers noted that the Centre has fixed the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for the current year at ₹3,550 per tonne. They demanded that the State announce an additional State Advised Price (SAP) to ensure growers receive ₹4,500 per tonne.
Led by association president Kurubur Shanthakumar, the farmers gathered in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office before submitting a memorandum to tahsildar Rekha, who received it on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner.
The State Farmers’ Organisations Federation and the Sugarcane Growers’ Association also pressed for profits from the by-products of Bannari Sugar Factory to be shared with farmers. They sought a revision of the FRP in line with the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) report, reiterating their demand for a field-level price of ₹4,500 per tonne.
The memorandum pointed out that in 2023–24, the State government had announced an additional ₹150 per tonne, which factories have not yet paid. The farmers demanded immediate clearance of the arrears along with interest.
They also raised concerns over the rising demand for urea due to increased paddy cultivation in the district and urged the government to ensure adequate supply.
During the protest, the associations highlighted the plight of small and marginal farmers at Kadakola village in Mysuru taluk, who are losing land due to a high-tension power line running through Vajamangala. They demanded either alternative land or fair compensation.
