[REVISION HISTORY]

Karnataka sugarcane farmers pricing protests

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-15 16:48 UTC → 2026-10-17 14:01 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Sugarcane farmers in Karnataka, led by groups such as the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangh and Hasiru Sene, have initiated protests demanding an increase in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) to a minimum of Rs 5,500 per tonne. Protesters are also calling for the implementation of the Swaminathan Committee recommendations and the Mahadayi project. While Union Minister Pralhad Joshi invited farmer leaders to Delhi to discuss grievances, leaders rejected the invitation, criticizing the Minister for not visiting the protest site in person. As negotiations continue, farmers have threatened an indefinite blockade of national highways starting October 13 if their demands are not met. Their updated list of requirements includes payments within 14 days of harvest, 15% interest on delayed payments, and for sugar mills to cover harvesting and transport costs. They further demand that the FRP account for mill revenues generated from ethanol, molasses, and electricity. They are also calling for a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 60 for sugar and government procurement of ethanol produced in the state. On October 13, protesters launched large-scale blockades, including at the Kognoli toll plaza on the Mumbai-Bengaluru National Highway 48 (NH-48). The agitation has significantly disrupted traffic between Maharashtra and Karnataka, affecting motorists, bus passengers, and goods transport. In response, the Maharashtra Highway Police issued advisories and diverted vehicles heading toward Belagavi and Bengaluru through the Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur districts. By October 15, political debate intensified. BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai urged the state government to implement a support price under the State Adviced Price (SAP) law, arguing the state should not rely solely on expert committees given the GST revenue collected from the sugar industry. Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has since appealed for patience, stating the government is committed to protecting both farmers and sugar factories.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.