Farmers protest in Belagavi continues as talks with DC, SP fail

Farmers protest: The ongoing protest by sugarcane farmers at Gurulapur Cross entered its fourth day on Sunday, as negotiations between the district administration and farmer leaders failed to reach an agreement. Farmers are demanding a minimum price of Rs 3,500 per tonne of sugarcane from sugar factories.

Hundreds of farmers from various villages in Mudalagi taluk have been camping at the protest site day and night, pressing for a fair price. On Sunday, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan and Superintendent of Police Bhimashankar Guled visited the site and held talks with the agitating farmers and their leaders.

DC’s appeal to farmers:

DC Roshan urged the protesters to withdraw their agitation, assuring them of his support. “I understand your struggle and assure you that I will continue discussions with the factory owners. They have so far agreed to pay ₹3,200 per tonne. I promise to stand by you and ensure your concerns are addressed. Please don’t continue this protest on the streets,” he said.

The DC also mentioned that he had previously taken action against sugar factories accused of cheating farmers in weighment. “After receiving complaints from farmer leader Chunnappa Pujari, we deployed officials to inspect weighing machines at factories. The district administration is committed to farmers’ welfare,” he added.

Farmers reject offer:

Farmer leaders Shashikant Guruji and Chunnappa Pujari rejected the administration’s appeal, saying that the Maharashtra government has already fixed ₹3,425 per tonne for cane farmers, and Karnataka farmers deserve parity.

“For the past ten years, we’ve requested a rate increase, but factories haven’t raised the price even by a single paisa. While we appreciate the DC’s concern, we cannot withdraw our protest. This is the first time after the Gokak movement that over one lakh people have gathered in Belagavi. Our fight will continue peacefully until justice is done,” they said.

Demand for immediate action:

The farmers maintained that their demand for ₹3,500 per tonne remains non-negotiable. “Our agitation will not stop until the rate is fixed. Tomorrow, over two lakh farmers will join us. Before any untoward incident happens, the administration should announce a fair price and take a firm stand with the factory owners,” the leaders warned.

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