Sugarcane farmers in India launch protests over pricing demands

Sugarcane farmers across multiple Indian states have launched various protest actions to demand higher procurement prices and government subsidies.

In Maharashtra, farmers at the Kini toll plaza have entered a second day of a blockade, demanding a first installment of 4,500 rupees per quintal. The protest has caused significant traffic disruptions on highways and alternative routes. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has announced its support for the movement.

In Karnataka, farmers initiated a ‘jail bharo’ movement in Belagavi to demand a 1,000 rupee per tonne subsidy from the state government. This would bring the total procurement price to 5,500 rupees per tonne. Police detained several prominent leaders, including Choonappa Poojari, to prevent the protest rally. The detentions led to a boycott of court proceedings by hundreds of lawyers in Belagavi who demonstrated against police action.

In Uttar Pradesh, the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Tikait) has called for a sugarcane support price of 550 rupees per quintal for the 2026-27 crushing season.