As Sugarcane Stir Continues, CM Dk Shivakumar Appeals to Farmers for Patience

Belagavi: As sugarcane farmers continued their agitation for a better price in Belagavi for the third consecutive day, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday appealed to them to remain patient, saying the issue affected growers across the country and that discussions were underway with the Centre and leaders in Maharashtra to find a solution.

The farmers’ padayatra towards Hubballi continued for a second day, with the protesters reiterating their demand for a minimum price of Rs 5,500 per ton of sugarcane and an MSP of Rs 60 per kg of sugar.

Belagavi DC Mohammed Roshan held talks with the farmers, led by Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha state president Chunappa Pujeri and Shashikant Guruji. Police Commissioner Prakash Nikam was also present.

The farmers’ leaders pressed the district administration to act quickly on their demands and ensure that sugar factories began crushing operations without further delay.

Pujeri demanded that sugar factory owners be called for a meeting and asked to clarify the price they would offer farmers for sugarcane this year.

Speaking to reporters near Sri Mahalakshmi Temple at Uchila in Udupi district, CM DK Shivakumar said the government wanted both sugarcane farmers and sugar factories to remain viable.

"Sugarcane growers of the state must remain patient. This is not just Karnataka's issue, but an issue affecting all growers across the nation. We are also in discussions with leaders from Maharashtra regarding sugarcane prices,” he said.

“We have discussed this issue with Union Government ministers, and they have convened a meeting,” he added.

Shivakumar said the state government would continue the assistance announced for sugarcane farmers last year.