Belgavi: The standoff between sugar factories and farmer leaders in Belagavi district has intensified over the delay in announcing the sugarcane price for the new crushing season. Farmers have insisted that crushing should begin only after the price is fixed, while some factories are preparing to start operations this week. Farmer organisations have warned of protests if factories proceed without declaring the rate and have urged the district administration to step in, reports The Times of India.
Belagavi, known for its strong sugar industry base, is gearing up for the new crushing season. The fair and remunerative price (FRP) for sugarcane has been set at ₹3,550 per tonne for the 2025–26 season, based on a basic sugar recovery rate of 10.2%. This marks a 4.4% increase over the previous year. However, farmers in Karnataka have often demanded higher, state-specific rates, seeking up to ₹4,000 per tonne due to rising cultivation costs. This year, they are also demanding that payments be cleared within 15 days of cane supply.
Traditionally, the district administration holds a pre-season meeting involving farmers, factory owners, and sugar department officials to decide on key issues such as sugarcane price, crushing period, transport rate, and pending dues. Though most of the 26 factories in the district are ready to begin operations, these matters remain unresolved.
Some factories are reportedly preparing to start crushing before November 1, despite government orders to begin only after that date. Farmer leaders have warned that any violation of the directive will lead to large-scale protests.
Leaders of the Karnataka Rajya Raita Sangh (KRRS) and Bharateeya Krishik Samaj (BKS) said the district administration has called a meeting on October 18 to discuss and settle the issues. BKS president Sidagouda Modagi criticised factory owners, saying they continue to exploit farmers while delaying decisions on prices, transport costs, and arrears.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan confirmed that a meeting will be held under the leadership of Sugar Commissioner Govinda Reddy to address the pending issues and ensure smooth operations for the upcoming season.
