Sugarcane farmers in Karnataka end protests over pricing

Sugarcane growers in Karnataka have decided to withdraw their protests following negotiations regarding cane pricing. Farmer leader Chunnappa Pujari announced that the agitation, which had been ongoing for several days across various parts of the state, would end to allow sugar factories to commence operations.

After mediation by District In-charge Minister Satish Jaraliholi, factory owners agreed to a rate of 3,600 rupees per tonne. While farmers had initially demanded 3,800 rupees, the current agreement has been accepted as a first step. Additionally, for the first time, farmers have secured an agreement to receive a share of the additional profits generated from sugar sales if market prices increase.

However, tensions remain in certain areas. In Jamkhandi taluk, farmers staged protests at Kankanavadi Cross, accusing factory owners of reneging on the 3,600 rupee agreement by proposing an advance of only 3,500 rupees. Local leaders, including Sadashiva Kavatagi, demanded written guarantees for the full agreed-upon rate before allowing factory operations to proceed.