Belagavi: Sugarcane growers in Belagavi have warned of expanding their jail bharo agitation unless the government announces a price they consider acceptable for their crop.
Farmers set a fresh deadline of 1 pm on November 4, seeking a concrete decision after negotiations failed to settle the dispute. Their demand totals ₹5,500 per tonne, comprising ₹4,500 from sugar factories and ₹1,000 in assistance from the Karnataka government.
Factory owners reportedly offered ₹3,500 per tonne, which protesting growers rejected. Farmer representatives said repeated discussions must produce a clear announcement before they consider withdrawing the agitation.
Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi said discussions involving farmers and factory representatives would continue. He acknowledged that the two sides had different demands and that a final agreement had not been reached.
The warning follows demonstrations near Hindalga Central Prison on November 2, when growers marched towards the jail as part of their protest. Police intervened when participants attempted to approach the prison premises.
Beyond cane prices, farmer organisations have sought an increase in sugar’s minimum selling price and changes to ethanol procurement policy.
The dispute has placed renewed attention on payments to growers and the economics of sugar production, with further mobilisation threatened unless negotiations deliver a settlement.