Karnataka Sugarcane Farmers Protest Escalates as Demonstrators Throw Slippers at Minister's Car

Karnataka Minister Shivanand Patil encountered protesting farmers in Belagavi. (File)

Belagavi:

On November 6, sugarcane farmers in Karnataka demonstrating for higher crop prices reportedly threw slippers at State Minister Shivanand Patil's vehicle as he departed from the protest location in Belagavi.

By Thursday, the sugarcane farmers' demonstration demanding increased prices for their harvest had continued for eight days in Belagavi.

The Karnataka Minister engaged with the protesting agricultural workers in Belagavi.

Addressing concerns about a potential National Highway blockade, Minister Shivanand Patil stated, "My intention is to appeal, not to worsen the situation. The state government lacks authority to establish sugarcane prices—this falls under Central Government jurisdiction. The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) is determined by the Centre. The Union Minister for Sugar, who is from our state, has not yet taken action. The Central Government holds both the authority and responsibility to address this issue."

Previously, Patil announced that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would convene with all sugar mill owners across the state on Friday, where the final decision would be made.

"The Chief Minister has scheduled a meeting tomorrow with all sugar mill owners throughout the state. A conclusive decision will be reached there. Based on those results, we will determine the best way to assist our farmers. The farmers' protest has been genuine, and we will make every effort to strengthen their movement. I plan to personally visit the protest site tomorrow," Patil informed reporters.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the "serious situation arising from the ongoing agitation by sugarcane farmers" in North Karnataka, particularly affecting Belagavi, Bagalkote, Vijayapura, Vijayanagara, Bidar, Gadag, Hubli-Dharwad and Haveri districts.

In his letter dated November 6, the Chief Minister noted that despite the State Government's continued efforts to facilitate dialogue between farmers and sugar mill owners, the protests have intensified, and unrest is growing among the farming community.

Farmers' unions have indicated they may escalate their protests if Friday's meeting fails to produce concrete decisions. The Chief Minister's review with industry stakeholders is expected to significantly influence the direction of the protest and potential relief measures for farmers.