Farmers in Karnataka protest for MSP and drought relief

Farmers in Karnataka have launched protests in Bidar and Tumakuru, demanding significant government intervention to address agricultural distress and drought conditions.

In Bidar, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and labor unions organized a bike rally to submit a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner. Their demands include implementing a legal Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops based on the Swaminathan Commission recommendations, a total farm loan waiver, and compensation of ₹50,000 per acre for drought-affected farmers. They also called for the reopening of the BSSK Hallikheda (B) sugar factory and a fixed sugarcane price of ₹5,000 per tonne for 2026.

In Tumakuru, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha led a protest and march against government neglect regarding the drought. Protesters demanded at least seven hours of continuous electricity for agricultural pumps, an increase in milk prices to at least ₹60 per liter, and more substantial drought relief. Additionally, they called for the cancellation of the Express Link Canal project due to potential risks to six taluks and demanded intervention in a disputed land auction process in Turuvekere.