The protest by sugarcane growers in Belagavi district, demanding a sugarcane price of Rs. 3,500 per tonne, has intensified.
Under the banner of the Hasiru Sene Farmers Association, the farmers have rejected the Rs. 3,200 per tonne rate proposed by sugar mills. Their agitation has brought operations at 26 sugar factories across the region to a standstill, with protesters refusing to settle for anything less than their demand.
Shops and businesses in Mudalagi remained closed as large numbers of farmers gathered in solidarity. What began as a call for the State Advisory Price (SAP) for sugarcane has now spread to Athani, Chikkodi, Hukkeri, Bailhongal, Mudalagi, Gokak and nearby areas.
On farmers protest, BJP MLC, C T Ravi while speaking to ANI said, “Farmers are protesting on the roads due to discrepancies in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) declared by the Central Government for sugarcane. Some sugar factories in Maharashtra are paying up to Rs 3,400 per tonne, while in Karnataka, some factories are paying as low as Rs 2,700 per tonne and others up to Rs 3,100 per tonne, which can be raised by up upto Rs 800 per tonne. Farmers are demanding justice and equal payment. The protesters are calling on the State Government, including the CM, Deputy CM, and ministers, to address their grievances and ensure justice.”
In Gokak, the protest gained further traction when students joined farmers in blocking roads at key intersections, disrupting traffic on major routes connecting Belagavi, Savadatti, Mudalagi and Yaragatti.
The agitating farmers have urged the state government to adopt Maharashtra’s sugar payment model, which they say ensures structured and timely payments to cane growers.
Meanwhile, BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra visited the protest site and expressed his party’s support for the farmers. He urged the Congress-led state government to address the “legitimate demands” of sugarcane growers.
Farmers in Gurlapur village have also been staging protests for several days, pressing the government to announce the SAP for sugarcane.
LoP in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy says, “The government should provide a support price for sugarcane farmers. At the February 2024 cabinet meeting, the government decided to install weighbridges before sugar factories that are not being properly managed. The Sugarcane Minister must address farmers’ problems, as widespread strikes are occurring in Karnataka. Over 50,000 farmers gathered in Belagavi to protest the government’s inaction and the improper implementation of solutions. The BJP supports the farmers, and their problems should be addressed, especially in North Karnataka, where heavy rains have damaged their crops.”
State Youth President, Janata Dal (Secular) on X said, “The sugarcane farmers’ protest in Karnataka enters Day 6. Maharashtra fixed ₹3,550/tonne. The Central Govt ensured FRP. Yet Congress’s Karnataka Govt, the self-proclaimed “champion of farmers,” hasn’t fixed a price. When politicians own the mills, who stands for the farmer? Let’s unite to protect those who feed us. I appeal to all sugar mill owners, stand with farmers and ensure a fair price.”
