Sugarcane growers and KRRS condemn farmer arrests in Belagavi
The Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers’ Association has threatened a state-wide agitation if the government does not release arrested protesters.
The Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers’ Association on Thursday condemned the arrest of farmers protesting in Belagavi regarding sugarcane prices. According to The Hindu, the association demanded the immediate release of the protesters and warned of a state-wide agitation if the government fails to act.
Association State president Kurubur Shanthakumar said the announced price of ₹3,600 per tonne in Belagavi district is unacceptable. He alleged the State government fixed this price at the request of sugar factory owners to weaken the farmers' movement. He added that farmers demanding ₹4,500 per tonne cannot be expected to accept only the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP).
Shanthakumar noted that 16 out of the 29 sugar factories in Belagavi district have a sugar recovery rate exceeding 12 per cent. He stated these factories should pay an FRP of ₹4,350 per tonne, noting that while harvesting and transport charges may be deducted, the statutory price must be paid. He also accused Minister Satish Jarkiholi of staging political drama regarding the price fixing.
The Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) also condemned the arrests. KRRS State president Badagalapura Nagendra alleged the government resorted to arrests instead of finding an amicable solution, despite the protest being peaceful for one-and-a-half months. He claimed the district in-charge Minister had previously sought cooperation to allow factories to function temporarily during discussions.
The Sugarcane Growers’ Coordination Committee has called for a massive protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Friday starting at 11 a.m. The protesters are demanding a State Advised Price (SAP), an increase in the Centre’s FRP, loan waivers, and compensation for drought-hit farmers.