Belagavi: Karnataka’s Sugar Minister Shivanand Patil has pledged to resolve the ongoing deadlock between sugarcane farmers and sugar factories, promising that the outcome will favour the farmers, reports The Hindu.
Speaking in Belagavi on November 6, Patil said his focus was on addressing the problem rather than reacting to accusations from farmer leaders who claimed he was siding with factory owners. He said discussions would be held with farmers to understand their concerns and find a fair solution.
“My aim is to bring everyone together and reach an agreement that benefits the farmers. We are confident that the issue will be resolved soon,” he said.
Patil reiterated that the authority to determine the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane rests with the Union Government, leaving limited scope for the State Government to intervene. He also pointed out that the public often lacks clarity about the issue.
“As the Sugar Minister of Karnataka, I’m doing everything within my power. However, the Union Sugar Minister, Pralhad Joshi — who is also from Karnataka — has not been mentioned in this context by the farmers or the media,” he said.
The minister later travelled to Gurlapur, where the farmers’ protest is underway, accompanied by Chief Minister’s advisor on farm pricing Ashok Dalwai, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan, and Superintendent of Police Bheemashankar S. Guled.
