Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, has formally invited sugarcane farmers from Karnataka to Delhi for discussions regarding the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane. The invitation comes as growers plan a protest in Hubballi this Tuesday, with Joshi urging dialogue with officials instead of street demonstrations in the national capital.
Representing the Dharwad Lok Sabha seat, Minister Joshi conveyed his message via a video shared on his X account. He emphasized the Central government's commitment, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, to address farmers' concerns. "I welcome Karnataka's farmers to Delhi with utmost respect," Joshi stated, assuring arrangements for farmer leaders to meet concerned officials to resolve their issues. He reiterated that protests were unnecessary when the government was ready for open discussion.
Joshi highlighted the government's consistent efforts to increase the FRP for sugarcane annually. This year, the FRP saw an increase to Rs 365 in May. He recalled a meeting with farmer leaders in February 2026, where they had requested an FRP hike, which was subsequently implemented in May. Despite this, Joshi noted that no farmer representatives had met him since the May increase, yet new protests demanding a further hike were now being planned.
The Union Minister clarified that any decision on increasing the sugarcane FRP involves careful consideration of recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and reports from the state's Cane Commissioner. He assured farmers that direct discussions in Delhi would lead to steps ensuring an appropriate price. "We will listen to their grievances with utmost humility and make sincere efforts to find appropriate solutions," Joshi affirmed, extending an open invitation to farmer leaders and protesters alike.
Image: Wikipedia — Pralhad Joshi
📰 Source: Mangalorean News