Sugarcane farmers threaten highway blockade from October 13
Sugarcane farmers in Karnataka have threatened an indefinite highway blockade starting October 13 to demand higher minimum support prices and better payment terms. The farmers are also calling for sugar mills to cover harvesting and transportation costs and for the implementation of a State Advised Price.
Why it matters
This protest highlights ongoing tensions between agricultural workers and the sugar industry regarding fair compensation and the economic viability of farming in India.
The Karnataka Rajya Raita Sangha and Green Brigade have threatened an indefinite blockade of national highways at all district headquarters across Karnataka from October 13 if the demands of sugarcane growers are not addressed at a high-level meeting convened by Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi on October 12.
Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi city on Friday, the organisation’s State working president, Maheshgowda Subedar, said the agitation would be intensified if the meeting failed to yield a favourable response.
The organisation has demanded a minimum support price of ₹5,500 a tonne for sugarcane at a recovery rate of 9.25%. It has also sought payment within 14 days of harvesting, with 15% interest on delayed payments, and demanded that sugar mills bear harvesting and transportation costs.
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