After nine days of determined protest, sugarcane farmers in Gurlapur, Belagavi, called off their agitation following a revised price announcement by the Karnataka government of Rs 3,300 per tonne. The revised price consists of Rs 3,250 paid by sugar factories and Rs 50 as government subsidy.
The farmers had initially demanded Rs 4,000 per tonne but accepted the compromise after talks involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, sugar factory owners, and farmer leaders. Despite celebrations, tension rose during the final day after clashes at Hattargi Toll Naka, resulting in police injuries and property damage.
The seer leading the protest warned that the agitation will resume during the Karnataka Legislature’s winter session to press for an additional Rs 1,000 per tonne.
Protest Background and Escalation
The sugarcane farmers’ protest began with a sit-in at Gurlapur Cross and spread across Belagavi and neighbouring districts, demanding a fair and remunerative price for their produce. Earlier government offers were rejected as inadequate, compared to rates in Maharashtra.
The disciplined protest took a violent turn near Hattargi Toll Naka on the final day, where police allegedly assaulted a protesting driver, leading farmers to retaliate by throwing stones. Six police officers were injured, and property was damaged.
Superintendent of Police Dr Bheemashankar Guled appealed for peace and assured that CCTV footage is being reviewed to identify instigators. Farmer leaders condemned the violence and pledged to continue peaceful protests.
Negotiations and Official Responses
The price settlement of Rs 3,300 per tonne was reached in talks led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Farmer leader Shashikant Padasalagi described the outcome as a victory for the united farmer front, praising the firmness that compelled factory owners to raise prices despite threats of factory closures.
However, farmer leader Chunnappa Pujari expressed caution, noting the farmers’ original demand of Rs 3,500 has not been fully met and called for the sugar minister’s written assurance of the price hike.
Further demands include timely payments post-harvest, loan waivers, and clearance of dues. Protests are expected to continue during the legislative session as farmers prepare to mobilise on these wider issues.
Why Are Karnataka Sugarcane Farmers Protesting?
Sugarcane farmers across northern Karnataka, including Belagavi, Bagalkote, Haveri, and Vijayapura districts, are protesting to demand a higher Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for their crop. The farmers seek ₹3,500 per tonne, arguing that the existing price fixed by the Central government does not cover their rising production costs and accumulated debts.
The current FRP announced by the Centre is ₹3,550 per tonne for the 2025–26 season, but after deductions of approximately ₹800-900 per tonne towards harvesting and transportation by sugar mills, farmers effectively receive only about ₹2,600 to ₹3,000 per tonne, which they say is unsustainable.
The farmers allege that sugar factories impose heavy deductions, delay payments, and underpay them despite government directives. Their agitation began as a sit-in protest at Gurlapur Cross in Belagavi and has intensified into a large-scale movement drawing state and central government attention.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The sugarcane farmers’ protest underscores the critical need for fair pricing mechanisms that protect farmers’ livelihoods amid challenging economic conditions.
While the current resolution offers short-term relief, long-term solutions require systemic reforms that ensure timely payments, debt relief, and sustainable agricultural policies. The Logical Indian values peaceful, inclusive dialogue and collective action aimed at empowering farmers and fostering rural stability.
