Sugar mill owners’ political influence stopping fair cane price, alleges farmers’ leader Kodihalli Chandrashekhar

Haveri : Farmers’ leader Kodihalli Chandrashekhar launched a fierce attack on the Karnataka government, accusing it of bowing to the influence of powerful sugar mill owners who are also MLAs, ministers, and former ministers.

He alleged that the state government is deliberately delaying the announcement of a fair sugarcane price due to this strong political lobby.

Addressing farmers during a massive tractor rally held in Haveri on Thursday, Chandrashekhar said, “The government is scared of sugar mill owners who are in power. The lobby of politicians owning sugar mills is controlling decisions. It is shameful that the government has no courage to speak against them.”

The rally, organized under the leadership of the farmers’ association, began at Murugharajendra Math and proceeded to the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Hundreds of farmers participated, demanding the state fix Rs 3,500 per tonne as the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane.

Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra, Chandrashekhar said, “Farmers in both states cultivate sugarcane on the same land and with the same water, but why should Karnataka farmers get less? This discrimination is unacceptable.”

He urged the government to act independently and protect the interests of sugarcane growers instead of yielding to industrial pressure. “The influence of private factory owners has grown to the extent that the state seems powerless. The government must prioritize farmers’ welfare and announce a fair price without further delay,” he demanded.

Chandrashekhar warned that continued neglect of farmers’ concerns could intensify statewide protests. The rally concluded with a memorandum submitted to district officials, pressing for immediate action on price fixation.

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