Belagavi: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has reiterated the government’s commitment to finding a permanent solution to sugarcane growers’ problems, while urging farmers to allow sugar mills to begin crushing operations.
Speaking after separate meetings with farmers and sugar factory owners at Suvarna Soudha on Monday, Shivakumar said mill owners were reluctant to meet farmers’ demands without an increase in the minimum selling price (MSP) of sugar. He said the issue required discussions with the Centre.
A central government committee is scheduled to visit Karnataka on October 29, after which further discussions will be held before a final decision is taken. Shivakumar said he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an increase in sugar MSP and would also meet Union Ministers and the Maharashtra Chief Minister to press for action.
Recalling last year’s additional payment of ₹300 per tonne, he acknowledged rising input costs but stressed that a solution required cooperation between farmers, mill owners and governments.
