Sugarcane Fury: Karnataka Farmers Call for Bandh Over Price Dispute
Sugarcane farmers in Karnataka demand Rs 5,500 per tonne, leading to prohibitory orders on highways and calls for a statewide bandh.
The tension between the state administration and the agricultural community has reached a boiling point as Karnataka sugarcane farmers agitation intensifies. Demanding a significant hike in the price of their produce, farmers have called for a statewide bandh, prompting the government to take preemptive security measures to prevent chaos on the roads.
The Core Demand: Rs 5,500 Per Tonne
At the heart of the unrest is a pricing dispute. Farmers' organisations are steadfast in their demand for a payment of Rs 5,500 per tonne of sugarcane. The refusal to meet this price point has sparked widespread anger, leading to demonstrations and the threat of paralyzing transportation across the state.
Security Crackdown on National Highways
As the threat of highway blockades looms, the administration has moved swiftly to ensure that essential services and public movement are not disrupted. In Dharwad, Deputy Commissioner Snehal R, IAS, has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
These restrictions are specifically targeted at four major National Highways and the areas within a five-kilometre radius of them:
- Pune–Bengaluru National Highway
- Hubballi–Ankola National Highway
- Navalgund–Solapur National Highway
- Hubballi–Ballari National Highway
The orders, which came into immediate effect following reports from the district Superintendent of Police and the NHAI Chairman, aim to protect emergency services and maintain public peace.
Protests Hit the Streets
While the administration attempts to lock down the highways, the agitation has already spilled over into public spaces. In Belagavi, the Central Bus Station became a flashpoint as a farmer leader initiated a demonstration. To prevent the situation from escalating, a significant contingent of police personnel has been deployed around the station.
Chief Minister's Appeal and the 'Sugar Price' Dilemma
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has stepped in to urge patience and cooperation from the farming community. While asserting that the state government stands firmly with the farmers, the Chief Minister highlighted a critical economic hurdle: the stagnation of sugar prices.
"If sugar prices have not increased for the last 10 years, how can sugar factories afford to pay more to farmers? The price of sugar needs to be fixed. We will examine the matter and make a request to the Centre," the Chief Minister stated.
The CM noted that while previous discussions had reached a settlement, fresh dissatisfaction has emerged, possibly due to expectations surrounding Central Government assurances. He urged farmers to remain patient, noting that the sugarcane is drying up and farmers are already facing hardships.
Compensation for Crop Loss
Beyond the pricing of sugarcane, the Chief Minister also addressed the concerns regarding compensation for crop losses. He assured the stakeholders that the government would examine all available options to extend necessary assistance to the affected farmers.