Belagavi sugarcane protest intensifies as farmers demand Rs 3,500 per tonne, BJP leaders join agitation

Belagavi Sugarcane Protest: The ongoing sugarcane price protest in Belagavi district turned more intense on Tuesday as thousands of farmers continued their indefinite agitation demanding Rs 3,500 per tonne for their crop.

The movement, which began a week ago at Gurlapur Cross in Mudalagi taluk, has gained massive support from across North Karnataka, turning into one of the biggest farmer protests in recent years.

Farmers have completely blocked the state highway passing through Gurlapur, allowing only ambulances. “We will not accept even one rupee less than Rs 3,500 per tonne. Unless the government fixes this rate, no sugarcane crushing will start this season,” the protesters declared.

BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra, Rajya Sabha member Iranna Kadadi, MLA Duryodhan Aihole, and former MLA P. Rajeev joined the protest, expressing solidarity with the farmers. Vijayendra said he would spend the night with the protesters and accused the Congress government of “ignoring the voice of farmers.”

The agitation has drawn participants from Belagavi, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Shivamogga, Davanagere, and Mandya districts. Farmers have pooled money and brought food from home, while local communities, seers, and villagers are supporting them by donating rice, vegetables, and water. Temporary shelters and shade tents have been set up to help those camping along the protest site.

Meanwhile, lawyers in Belagavi city held a solidarity march, and several taluks including Nipani, Sankeshwar, Khanapur, Athani, Kagwad, Chikkodi, Bailhongal, Kittur, and Gokak saw continued demonstrations.

In Hukkeri town, the bandh called in support of the farmers was total — buses, autos, and shops remained shut, and even schools and colleges saw minimal attendance. The local Bar Association contributed Rs 25,000 to support the agitation.

Farmer leader Sidagouda Modagi accused the government of neglect, alleging that ministers Satish Jarkiholi and Laxmi Hebbalkar had not visited the protest site. “Most politicians are mill owners themselves. They have no concern for farmers’ suffering,” he said.

Modagi also noted that mills in Maharashtra are paying Rs 3,410 per tonne while those in Karnataka offer only Rs 3,010. “Sugar factories make huge profits every year, but farmers continue to be exploited. The Sugarcane Control Board has the power to revise rates — but it remains toothless due to political interference,” he added.

With growing participation and visible political support, the farmers’ agitation in Belagavi now threatens to disrupt the upcoming crushing season if the government fails to intervene immediately.

Also Read: Woman Plotting Bombing Incident to Obtain Arms License, Police Reveal