Bagalkot: The district administration scheduled a meeting with sugarcane growers for November 4 as protests over cane prices continued across parts of Karnataka. The discussions were intended to hear farmers’ grievances about payments, pricing and the ongoing crushing season.
According to a report citing Deccan Herald, the meeting was scheduled for 3 pm. It followed discussions between district officials and sugar factory owners on Tuesday, during which authorities asked mills to follow government guidelines and engage with growers.
Farmers protesting near Gaddanakeri Cross on the Hubballi–Vijayapura highway demanded a minimum cane price of ₹5,500 per tonne. Their demands also included revision of the Centre’s Fair and Remunerative Price and additional support from the Karnataka government.
Growers sought direct payment into their bank accounts within 15 days of supplying sugarcane. They also demanded a greater share of revenue from products generated by sugar factories, including ethanol and electricity.
The dispute has already disrupted transport in Bagalkot district. Earlier demonstrations affected several highways, while businesses in some towns closed in solidarity with farmers.
The scheduled talks come against this backdrop of road blockades and continuing demands for improved returns. Any agreement or revised payment arrangement will require confirmation following the discussions with growers and factory representatives.