Belagavi, November 3: Sugarcane farmers in Karnataka are pressing for higher procurement prices as protests continue across growing regions, increasing pressure on sugar factories and the government to find a settlement.
Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi said representatives of sugar factory owners and farmer unions were expected to meet on Tuesday under the Deputy Commissioner’s leadership. Speaking on Monday, he said the discussions would provide greater clarity on the dispute.
Farmer organisations have raised demands covering purchase prices, government support and alleged irregularities in weighing sugarcane. Karnataka Raitha Sangha Hasiru Sene representatives have sought ₹4,500 per tonne from factories, alongside ₹1,000 per tonne in assistance from the state government.
They have also demanded action against alleged deductions for mud and other material during weighing. These allegations remain claims made by farmer representatives.
The agitation intensified on Tuesday, with growers attempting to surround the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mysuru and staging a “Jail Bharo” protest in Belagavi. Protesters reiterated their demand for a procurement price of ₹5,500 per tonne.
Earlier talks had failed to satisfy farmer leaders. Growers have also expressed concern about delays in crushing operations, warning that drought and water shortages were leaving standing sugarcane vulnerable to further losses.
Jarkiholi said resolving the issue required discussions between factory owners and unions, and that the duration of the agitation remained uncertain.
The reports reviewed did not establish a final agreement from Tuesday’s proposed meeting. Farmers’ demands therefore remain under discussion, with no confirmed settlement on procurement prices available in those reports.