Mysuru: State Sugarcane Growers’ Association president Kurubur Shanthakumar has rejected the Rs 3,600 per tonne sugarcane price fixed for Belagavi district, alleging that the government had sided with sugar factory owners and warning of a statewide agitation.
Condemning the arrest of farmers protesting in Belagavi, he demanded their immediate release and said farmers would intensify their agitation if the government failed to act.
Shanthakumar said farmers were seeking Rs 4,500 per tonne and would not accept a price restricted to the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP). He claimed that 16 of the district’s 29 sugar factories had recovery rates above 12%, warranting an FRP of Rs 4,350 per tonne, according to the association’s calculations.
He also questioned the price-fixing process conducted under the mediation of Minister Satish Jarkiholi.
The association has demanded that the state announce a State Advised Price (SAP), the Centre increase the FRP, farm loans be waived and drought-hit farmers receive compensation.
The Coordination Committee of Farmers’ Organisations has called a protest at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park on November 6 and appealed to farmers to participate in large numbers.