Sugarcane growers hold bandh across Kittur Karnataka for better prices
Protests and road blockades disrupted transport and normal life in several districts on Saturday, according to The Hindu.
Sugarcane growers across the Kittur Karnataka region held a bandh on Saturday to demand a remunerative price for their produce. The agitation caused road blockades and disrupted transport in Belagavi, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Dharwad, and Haveri districts, according to The Hindu.
The growers are demanding ₹5,500 a tonne for sugarcane, which includes a ₹1,000 a tonne incentive from the State government. They have also requested the Union government to increase the minimum selling price of sugar from ₹31 to ₹60 a kg.
In Dharwad, growers blocked the main road near Jubilee Circle for over two hours, causing traffic to stand still and suspending bus services. Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase persuaded protesters to clear the road, and the blockade was withdrawn around 1 p.m.
In Vijayapura, farmers blocked the Hitnalli toll plaza for nearly two hours and the Vijayapura-Pandharpur highway at Siddapur. Protesters at Sangapur S.H. village surrounded Industries Minister M.B. Patil, leading to an argument and the use of lathis by police to disperse the crowd.
Farmers alleged that police personnel abused and assaulted them.
In Haveri, farmers began a round-the-clock sit-in outside Sugar Minister Rudrappa Lamani’s residence. Protesters also blocked the Ilkal-Shikaripura highway near Chowdayyadanapur, leaving buses stranded at Guttal.
Sugarcane growers in Belagavi district withdrew their decision to continue the agitation on Sunday due to Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations. Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha president Chunnappa Poojari said the agitation would continue after Rajyotsava until the State government announces the demanded incentive.