Belagavi sugarcane farmers protest for higher prices
Protestors demanded an immediate meeting on sugarcane pricing as negotiations over the per tonne rate continue.
Sugarcane farmers in Belagavi continued their protest on Wednesday, demanding that the State and Central governments announce higher prices for sugarcane, according to The Hindu.
A group led by Ganesh Iliger attempted to enter the Deputy Commissioner’s office, alleging that officials delayed a scheduled coordination meeting between farmers and factory owners due to pressure from sugar mills. Police stopped the group, leading to an altercation with officers and staff.
Farmers leader Chunappa Pujeri stated that a protest rally will be held at CP.Ed Grounds in Belagavi on Thursday. He also warned that the movement might disrupt the Winter Session of the Legislature, which is set to begin on November 30.
Pujeri expressed hope that negotiations would resolve the issue, allowing factories to begin crushing by Friday. He said negotiations with factory owners were nearly 90 per cent successful, though some issues remain. He also expressed confidence that Chief Minister D.K.
Shivakumar would grant an incentive of ₹1,000 per tonne as State Advised Price.
A senior officer said the price deadlock has narrowed to ₹400 per tonne. Factories are reportedly reluctant to pay more than ₹3,550 per tonne, while farmers seek at least ₹4,000 per tonne. Minister Satish Jarkiholi is attempting to convince both sides to agree to a median price of ₹3,800 per tonne, which may be announced before Friday.
In Kittur, a group led by Praveen Babu Sardar announced they would no longer support the agitation, preferring a harmonious solution. Meanwhile, members of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatan blocked the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway near Kini Toll Naka in Kolhapur district.