Siddaramaiah blames Centre for sugarcane price issue as farmers’ protest enters 8th day

Farmers protest : The ongoing protest by sugarcane growers in Belagavi, demanding a minimum price of Rs 3,500 per quintal, entered its eighth consecutive day on Wednesday, intensifying across northern Karnataka districts.

The agitation has drawn the attention of the state government, with the issue being discussed in today’s Cabinet meeting. However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, addressing a press conference later, shifted responsibility to the Central Government, stating that the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane is fixed by the Centre, not the state.

Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, the Chief Minister said, “Farmers in Belagavi, Bagalkote, and Vijayapura are protesting. I had already held preliminary discussions with Minister M.B. Patil. Today, the issue was discussed in detail during the Cabinet meeting. We have taken the protest very seriously.”

Siddaramaiah clarified that the Centre alone decides the FRP, while the state’s role is limited to ensuring implementation. “Every year, the Central Government fixes the FRP. For a recovery rate of 10.25, the FRP has been set at Rs 3,550 per tonne, inclusive of harvesting and transport costs.

If the recovery exceeds 10.25, an additional Rs 3.46 per quintal is paid. For recovery rates as low as 9.5, the FRP comes to Rs 3,290.50 per tonne,” he explained. He further pointed out that the Sugarcane Control Act clearly defines the Centre’s jurisdiction over FRP determination.

“The state can only ensure accurate weighing, timely payment by sugar factories, and adherence to FRP norms,” he said, effectively distancing his government from direct responsibility for revising the rates.

In response to the intensifying protests, Siddaramaiah said he would write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking an immediate appointment to discuss the plight of Karnataka’s cane growers. “I will send a letter to the Prime Minister tomorrow itself. If granted time, I will personally meet him to raise the issue of farmers’ grievances,” he assured.

The Chief Minister also announced two crucial meetings scheduled for Friday — one with sugar mill owners at 11 a.m., followed by another at 1 p.m. with farmer representatives from Belagavi, Haveri, Bagalkote, and Vijayapura districts.

Farmers have been demanding a minimum of Rs 3,500 per tonne as the procurement price, citing high cultivation costs. Siddaramaiah said that the government was ready to offer Rs 3,200 for a recovery rate of 11.25, adding that sugar mills in Maharashtra are currently paying between Rs 2,515 and Rs 3,635 depending on yield levels.

While the state government maintains that it is “seriously concerned,” farmer unions accused it of passing the buck to the Centre instead of providing immediate relief, warning that the agitation will continue until their demand is met.

Also Read: Siddaramaiah writes to PM Modi seeking urgent relief for sugarcane farmers as protest enters day 9