Karnataka: Cane farmers refuse to call off march despite CM’s appeal, demand sugar MSP first
Karnataka sugarcane farmers continued their march towards Hirebagewadi toll plaza despite Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s appeal, demanding sugar MSP of ₹60 per kg and cane prices of ₹5,500 per tonne. They want the Centre to announce the MSP before forming a committee as the crushing season approaches.
Belagavi: Sugarcane farmers Thursday refused to call off their march to Hirebagewadi toll plaza despite an appeal from chief minister DK Shivakumar and instead demanded that the Centre announce minimum support price (MSP) first and form a committee later.
Hundreds of farmers reached Belagavi city in the evening after covering 35 km from Hattaragi toll plaza in Hukkeri taluk. Volunteers welcomed them with food and water. They are expected to reach Hirebagewadi Friday morning. Kannada organisations and bar association advocates have extended support.
Chunappa Pujeri, state president, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene, revealed he had received a call from Shivakumar, who urged farmers to halt the agitation since it was inconveniencing public. “We respect the CM, but we will not call off the protest. We have left one side of the national highway open for traffic,” he said.
Farmers want sugar MSP fixed at Rs 60 per kg and cane priced at Rs 5,500 per tonne, which Pujeri called justified given the retail price of sugar.
“We welcome the Centre’s decision to form a committee, but we cannot wait months for its report as the crushing season is approaching,” he said. He asked why no such panels were formed before petrol, diesel and fertiliser prices were raised.
Pujeri blamed Union minister Pralhad Joshi for the protests, alleging he had “deceived farmers” during talks in New Delhi. Joshi, meanwhile, has written to Shivakumar, urging the state govt to implement relief measures, including a state-advised price. He also appealed for the protest to be withdrawn.
Following his meeting with farmers on Monday, Joshi constituted a committee and sought action on three issues: independent verification of sugar recovery figures, periodic calibration of weighing machines at mills, and a review of deductions on mechanically harvested cane.
Deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan and city police commissioner Prakash Nikam met farmers on the highway and urged them to stay peaceful. “The district administration has sent details on demands to the state and central govts. I hope a solution emerges soon,” Roshan said.
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Source : The Times of India
