Bengaluru, 22 October 2026 – Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced on Tuesday that he will hold a joint meeting with sugarcane farmers, sugar‑factory owners and government officials after the Dasara festivities, aiming to settle a series of long‑standing grievances.
The growers, aggrieved over a demanded price of Rs 5,500 per tonne of cane, a minimum sugar selling price of Rs 60 per kg, and a call for a review of the ethanol procurement policy, have intensified their protests across the state. Earlier, they issued a ‘Hubballi Chalo’ call to encircle Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, but the plan was withdrawn after late‑night talks on Sunday involving farmer leaders, Joshi, Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar, legislators and Hubballi officials.
Shivakumar told reporters that he had already spoken with representatives of several sugar factories on Tuesday morning and is working to lock in a suitable date for the tripartite discussion. He stressed that both parties must be heard separately and promised to meet Pralhad Joshi, commending the minister for his efforts so far.
“The survival of sugar factories is linked to the wellbeing of farmers,” the chief minister said. “If mills can operate without losses, they will endure. We must balance the concerns of growers, manufacturers and the government, and find a solution that safeguards everyone’s livelihood.”
He added that he has given his word to the farmer leaders and factory owners that the meeting will be arranged at a mutually convenient time. Cabinet colleagues from the sugarcane‑producing districts, along with relevant department ministers, will take part, and Shivakumar plans to invite all regional MPs and legislators, including Pralhad Joshi.
When questioned about a separate ministerial meeting held on Monday, Shivakumar highlighted the upcoming local‑body elections. The Election Commission is set to release a fresh voters’ list on 27 October, and the Supreme Court has ordered that elections be completed by 31 December, prompting preparations in Bengaluru.
Regarding the ongoing drought, the chief minister said he has sought a meeting with union ministers, though a date has not yet been confirmed.
Image: sahilonline.org
📰 Source: Sahil Online