Sugarcane Farmers Intensify Protests in Belagavi, Cook Meals to Express Anger
Sugarcane farmers in Belagavi protest for higher prices and better financial support, cooking meals outside the DC office to voice their grievances.
Belagavi, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : Farmers in Belagavi have ramped up their protests, entering a critical phase in their demand for better compensation and support. A meeting is scheduled at the District Commissioner’s office, led by Minister Satish Jarkiholi and the Additional DC, to address their concerns.
Under the leadership of farmer leader Ganesh Iliger, protesters gathered outside the DC office, cooking meals to express their frustration. The farmers are particularly upset with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s recent statement regarding a lack of funds in the treasury. Iliger emphasized that if the state government can take loans for guaranteed schemes, it should also announce a sixth guarantee for sugarcane farmers.
In Karnataka, sugarcane farmers are demanding higher prices for the 2026-27 crushing season, an increase in the central minimum selling price (MSP) for sugar, and improved financial assistance at the state level. Reports indicate that farmers are seeking ₹5,500 per ton of sugarcane, which includes a state advisory incentive or bonus above the central price.
The farmers want the central government to raise the sugar MSP from ₹31 per kilogram to ₹60 per kilogram or establish a minimum selling price of ₹6,000 per quintal. They argue that the MSP for sugar has remained unchanged since February 2019, and current sugar prices do not allow mills to provide better rates to farmers.
Sugarcane is classified as a cash crop, primarily cultivated not for household consumption but for sale in markets, generating direct profits and cash income for farmers. The production is geared towards trading rather than domestic use, ensuring that farmers receive substantial returns.
