Bengaluru, Nov 6 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday addressed the ongoing sugarcane farmers’ protest in Belagavi, urging swift action to resolve their demands for higher prices.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting, the CM said, “We discussed 19 issues in the Cabinet. Along with that, there was a long discussion about the sugarcane growers’ protest in Belagavi. HK Patil and MB Patil have talked to the farmers. Our government is in favour of the farmers. We have considered their protest seriously. Satish Jarkiholi has sent the DC and SP to discuss the farmers’ problems.”
Siddaramaiah criticised the central government, saying the fixed-rate price for sugarcane is set at the national level, while the state only implements it. “The central government is playing tricks with the farmers of our state. It is doing an injustice,” he added.
The Chief Minister said a meeting with all sugar factories in the state has been scheduled tomorrow, along with a discussion with farmer leaders at 1 pm. He also confirmed that he would seek permission to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally convey the farmers’ concerns. The protesting farmers have demanded a support price of Rs 3,500 per quintal.
This comes amid rising unrest among sugarcane growers in northern Karnataka, who have been demanding better pricing to offset rising input costs and financial hardships.
