Sugarcane growers demand higher incentive, share in profits from byproducts
Sugarcane growers in Karnataka are continuing an indefinite agitation, demanding a minimum price of ₹5,500 per tonne, a higher State incentive, and a 50% share in profits from sugar mill byproducts. Farmers, led by the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, staged road blockades and criticized both Union and State governments for their perceived indifference to their demands.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing economic struggles for farmers and their demands for fair pricing and profit sharing in the agricultural sector, impacting food production, rural livelihoods, and government policy in India.
Sugarcane growers continued their indefinite agitation for the second day in Kalaburagi on Wednesday demanding a minimum price of ₹5,500 per tonne of sugarcane and the fulfilment of a series of other demands, including a higher State incentive and a share in profits from byproducts of sugar mills.
Led by the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene, farmers from Kalaburagi, Bidar, Yadgir and Vijayapura districts staged a road blockade at Ram Mandir Circle despite the scorching heat.
The agitation is part of the State-wide farmers protest. The growers also blocked traffic on the Humnabad Ring Road for 45 minutes starting 11.30 a.m.
The protesters said that the agitation will continue until their demands are met.
Farmer leader Sharanabasappa Mamshetty said that both the Union and State governments have remained indifferent despite the farmers agitation for their just demands.
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