Karnataka sugarcane farmers withdraw protest after price and profit-sharing deal
Farmers in Belagavi accepted a rate of Rs 3,600 per tonne and a new profit-sharing formula with sugar factories.
Sugarcane farmers in Belagavi district have withdrawn their protests after accepting a price of Rs 3,600 per tonne, according to the Deccan Herald. The rate was announced by Public Works Department Minister and District In-charge Satish Jarkiholi.
Chunappa Pujeri, the state president of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene, said farmers also reached an agreement with sugar factories regarding a profit-sharing formula. Under this arrangement, farmers will receive 75 per cent of the share while factories retain 25 per cent based on increases in sugar prices.
The protests, which included road blockades and tyre burning in areas such as Saundatti taluk and Yaragatti town, were intensified by the reported detention of farmer leaders, according to Urban Acres. Protesters had blocked highways, including the Jewargi–Sankeshwar National Highway, disrupting traffic towards Maharashtra.
Pujeri stated that the current price was fixed based on sugar costing Rs 45 per kg. He noted that farmers had secured a price of Rs 4,500 per tonne last year and expressed hope that prices would rise to Rs 55 per kg during the 2026-27 season.
The farmers' leader also requested that the state government provide a support price of Rs 1,000 per tonne. He criticised Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and said the movement for a higher minimum selling price would continue until a November 26 deadline.
The crushing season is expected to begin on Friday. Pujeri said he would meet with honorary president Shashikant Guruji in Mudalgi on Friday to discuss protecting farmer interests.