Sugarcane farmers block Mumbai-Bengaluru highway in Karnataka protest

Sugarcane farmers in Karnataka have launched a large-scale protest, blocking several national and state highways, including the Mumbai-Bengaluru National Highway 48 (NH-48) at the Kognoli toll plaza. The agitation, led by groups including the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene, aims to demand a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 60 for sugar, Rs 5,500 per tonne for sugarcane, the implementation of the MS Swaminathan Commission recommendations, and government procurement of ethanol produced in the state.

The blockades have significantly disrupted traffic between Maharashtra and Karnataka, affecting motorists, bus passengers, and goods transport. In response, the Maharashtra Highway Police have issued advisories and diverted vehicles heading toward Belagavi and Bengaluru onto alternative routes through the Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur districts. While traffic movement within Maharashtra remains normal, commuters are urged to avoid the affected NH-48 stretches unless travel is essential.