Belagavi farmers reject minister’s talks, demand ₹3,500 per tonne for sugarcane
Belagavi farmers: Farmers protesting for the past eight days at Gurlapur Cross in Mudalagi taluk have rejected Tourism Minister H.K. Patil’s invitation to come to Bengaluru for talks, insisting that the state government must instead visit them and address their concerns locally.
Minister Patil, sent by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, visited the protest site on Thursday evening and appealed to the agitators to join discussions with the CM and sugar factory owners in Bengaluru. “You have eight main demands, including Rs 3,500 per tonne for sugarcane. I will speak to the Chief Minister on Thursday (Nov. 6). Please send 20 farmer leaders to Bengaluru,” he said.
However, the farmers collectively shouted slogans rejecting the invitation. “We will not go to Bengaluru for justice. If the government cares, let them come here,” protesters declared.
“This is not your party platform, this is the farmers’ platform. Don’t come here for a political show. Come only if you can strengthen the movement,” said one of the farmer leaders, as tensions flared during the exchange.
Patil told the gathering that the government was committed to addressing the issue but that multiple stakeholders — including factory owners, the FRP and MSP committees — must be involved. “These issues cannot be resolved here immediately,” he added, reaffirming that he would convey the farmers’ demands to the CM.
Farmers have sought timely payments within 15 days of cane delivery, interest for delayed bills, reinstatement of the previous sugar commissioner, re-establishment of the commissioner’s office, transparency in sugar recovery rates, and 12-hour uninterrupted power supply.
Meanwhile, protests continued across 15 taluks, including half-naked marches and overnight bhajan sessions on highways. Traders in Raibag voluntarily observed a complete bandh, while towns like Belagavi, Gokak, and Kagwad saw minimal activity and school attendance.
BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra spent Wednesday night at the protest site, celebrating his birthday alongside farmers by eating jaggery and sugarcane. “When farmers are in distress, I cannot celebrate,” he said, distancing himself before the minister’s arrival to avoid politicization.
Former minister Prakash Hukkeri urged the government to immediately announce relief. “In 2013–14, when I was sugar minister, we gave Rs 165 per tonne as support. Siddaramaiah released Rs 300 crore. A similar decision is needed now,” he said.
Adding to the pressure, sugar factories across the Maharashtra border have triggered a “rate war,” announcing higher procurement prices — Vedganga-Doodhganga factory at Rs 3,614, Dalmia Sugar at Rs 3,550, and others between Rs 3,400–Rs 3,500 — prompting several Belagavi farmers to sell across the state line.
Farmer leaders have now given a deadline till 8 p.m. on November 6 for the government to respond, warning of an indefinite hunger strike and highway blockade from November 7 if their demands remain unmet.
When Minister Patil tried to leave the protest site, several farmers surrounded his car demanding he stay overnight in solidarity. Police had to intervene to disperse the crowd.
Also Read: Chikkamagaluru: Cash, gold and silver worth over Rs 1 crore found in car seized by police
