Karnataka Chief Minister to Meet Sugar Mill Owners and Protesting Farmers Amid Price Disputes

Belagavi, October 26 (Daily Kiran) : Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar arrived in Belagavi on Monday to engage in discussions with sugar mill owners and farmers amid ongoing protests over sugarcane prices. The meetings are scheduled to take place at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, with the CM meeting sugar mill owners at 11 a.m. and farmer representatives at 3:30 p.m.

Farmers in Belagavi have blocked state highways as part of their protest, demanding fair prices for their sugarcane crops. Speaking to the media in Kittur, Shivakumar emphasized that preserving the livelihood of Karnataka’s farmers is his top priority. He explained that his visit aims to address these issues directly with both farmers and mill owners, rather than holding discussions in Bengaluru.

“I will not comment on what other states are providing their sugarcane farmers. Our focus must be on saving Karnataka’s farmers. I am here to discuss these matters,” he stated.

The Chief Minister mentioned that he needs to hear from both sides. Previously, the government provided an additional ₹300 per quintal to farmers, while the former Siddaramaiah administration had allocated ₹50. He has urged mill owners to contribute as well, acknowledging the existing challenges.

Farmers are primarily demanding a subsidy of ₹1,000 per ton for sugarcane, along with a price of ₹5,500 per ton. They are also requesting the allocation of ₹500 crore for this purpose.

The outcome of Monday’s discussions will be crucial in determining whether the ongoing protests will come to an end and if farmers’ demands for a fair price will be met.

In northern Karnataka, large-scale protests led by organizations like the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sena have blocked major highways, including the Pune-Bengaluru and Bengaluru-Mysuru routes. Farmers are calling for increased prices for the 2026-27 crushing season and policy reforms.

They demand a total price of ₹5,500 per ton for sugarcane, an additional ₹1,000 per ton as the State Advised Price (SAP) from the Karnataka government, and a higher Minimum Support Price (MSP) for sugar.

The central government has raised the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) from ₹355 to ₹365 per quintal for 2026-27. However, farmers argue that this amount does not adequately cover rising costs for fertilizers, labor, and transportation.

While some farmer groups have temporarily halted their protests, leaders have warned that if no concrete decision is made, a statewide shutdown, or ‘Karnataka Bandh,’ could occur on October 27. Additionally, a deadline of November 26 has been set for the central government to respond to the MSP and committee-related demands.

The Karnataka BJP has urged the state government to address the serious issues faced by farmers struggling with drought and agricultural debts.