Karnataka CM seeks PM Modi’s appointment to discuss sugarcane farmers’ issues, drought
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has sought a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over sugarcane farmers’ grievances and drought conditions, while urging protesters to negotiate. Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy promised to raise their concerns with the Centre and pressed the state government to honour its ₹1,000-per-tonne additional support price assurance.
Mysuru Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the problems faced by sugarcane growers and the drought situation in the state. He also plans to invite Opposition leaders to join an all-party delegation to meet the Prime Minister and seek solutions, The New Indian Express reported.
Amid the ongoing sugarcane farmers’ agitation, Shivakumar appealed to protesters to withdraw their stir and resolve their demands through discussions. He said the government was committed to protecting farmers’ interests and that the issue should not be politicised.
On the demand for financial assistance from the state government towards a higher sugarcane support price, Shivakumar said the proposal could be discussed, while emphasising the need to balance the interests of farmers across different sectors.
Meanwhile, Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy said he would take up the sugarcane growers’ concerns with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to facilitate an early resolution.
Speaking in Hassan, Kumaraswamy urged farmers to remain patient and maintain peace, noting that the Centre was awaiting the report of the expert committee constituted to examine the issue.
However, he said the Karnataka government should not wait for central assistance and must take immediate steps to safeguard farmers’ interests. He also called on Shivakumar to honour his earlier assurance of providing an additional support price of ₹1,000 per tonne of sugarcane.
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Source : ChiniMandi
