Sugarcane farmers across Karnataka have called off their prolonged agitation after sugar factories agreed to a profit-sharing arrangement linked to increases in sugar prices. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, speaking in Bengaluru on Friday, acknowledged this development while simultaneously pressing the Centre to take responsibility for fixing sugar prices. He announced plans to raise this crucial issue directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Bengaluru on November 13.
The state government had already communicated with the Prime Minister on this matter, with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi reportedly making efforts to address it, according to CM Shivakumar. The withdrawal of the protest followed an announcement on Thursday night by Chunappa Pujeri, state president of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene. He confirmed farmers accepted the Rs 3,600 per tonne price for sugarcane in Belagavi district, a figure announced by Public Works Department Minister and district in-charge Satish Jarkiholi. Farmers, however, seek this same price to be implemented statewide.
Reacting to the farmers' decision, CM Shivakumar stated that the government had appealed to them not to treat the issue as a matter of prestige. He mentioned recent discussions between sugar factory representatives and state ministers. Separately, some individuals have approached the court for permission to crush sugarcane and seek protection for factories, with an affidavit being filed today.
The Chief Minister also cautioned against threats regarding the winter session of the Legislature in Belagavi if demands were not met, emphasizing that such tactics were inappropriate and lacked courtesy. The sugarcane agitation had intensified over several weeks, involving padayatras, highway blockades, protest marches, and statewide demonstrations. Key demands included an immediate price of Rs 5,500 per tonne, an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of sugar from Rs 31 to Rs 60 per kg from the Centre, revision of the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP), timely payments within 14 days, separate prices for domestic and commercial sugar, changes in cane-based ethanol procurement and pricing, and a comprehensive sugar policy. In mid-October, CM Shivakumar had written to Prime Minister Modi seeking urgent intervention.
Image: mangalorean.com
📰 Source: Mangalorean News