Belagavi: As Chief Minister Siddaramaiah prepares to present the Karnataka Budget for 2026-27, sugarcane farmers across the state are looking to the government for clear relief measures, The New Indian Express reported.
The main concern is the growing crisis in the sugarcane sector. Farmers are unhappy over low returns and rising unpaid dues. They are urging the government to move beyond temporary support and announce a stronger financial package above the Centre’s Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP).
Growers say the money they receive does not cover increasing costs of fertilisers, labour and transport. They want the budget to bring in a clear price-sharing formula between mills and farmers. They are also demanding a fixed timeline for payments to prevent delays that often lead to disputes.
At the same time, several sugar factories are facing financial problems. Farmer groups say any support plan should also help mills improve their financial position so that pending payments do not carry forward into the next crushing season.
Access to farm credit is another major issue. Farm leaders are calling for higher interest support, increased crop loan limits and an easier system to restructure old loans. They warn that without such steps, small and marginal farmers may turn to private lenders. Strengthening cooperative banks and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies is being seen as important to keep rural economies stable.
Farmer leader Kuruburu Shanthakumar has asked the government to clearly state its stand on FRP fixation and revise the farm loan system. He also suggested that the state follow the model adopted by Telangana for effective lake desiltation.
On the marketing side, farmers are expecting fresh investment in Agricultural Produce Market Committee yards. This comes after debates over reforms and partial rollbacks in the APMC system. Key demands include modern market yards, better storage facilities, grading units and transparent systems for price determination.
