High-ranking local authorities have made a direct plea to farmers, urging them to end their ongoing protest over low sugarcane prices.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan and Superintendent of Police Bheemashankar S. Guled personally met with the striking sugarcane growers in Gurlapur, Belagavi district. The farmers are steadfast in their demand for a minimum price of ₹3,500 per tonne of sugarcane. The officials assured them that discussions would be arranged promptly between the farmers’ representatives and the sugar factory managements.
Expressing empathy, Mr. Roshan conveyed his understanding of the farmers’ plight. He pledged to advocate strongly for their demands with the factory owners, stating, “I want you to know I’m on your side. I will do everything I can to protect your interests.”
The farmers’ key demands include a payment of at least ₹3,500 per tonne, in addition to covering transport and cutting costs. They also seek transparent and accurate weighing of their produce, faster crushing processes, and clear calculations for sugar yield per tonne of raw material.
During the meeting, farmers highlighted that their counterparts in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Haryana are already receiving ₹3,500 per tonne for their sugarcane.
Farmer leader Shashikant Padasalagi voiced frustration, noting that major television channels had largely ignored their protest.
Another farmer representative, Chunappa Pujari, criticized successive governments for what he termed a betrayal of sugarcane farmers. He pointed out that while the cost of cultivation has surged by over 20% annually, the effective price increase for their produce has been a mere ₹10 per tonne per year.
Shivaputra Jakal, a prominent leader, asserted that most sugar factories are controlled by politicians or powerful industrial groups who exert undue influence over government decisions. He called upon the Union government to nationalize all sugar factories across the nation, believing this move would best serve the farmers’ interests.