'Farmers More Important Than Anyone': Karnataka CM Says Sugarcane Price Deal Near
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar reveals the state is close to a sugarcane pricing agreement after marathon talks with farmers and factory owners.
In a significant move to resolve the ongoing tensions in the agricultural sector, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has announced that the state government and sugarcane farmers are nearing a final agreement on pricing. Following a series of marathon negotiations, the government has signaled its commitment to ensuring the survival and welfare of the farming community.
Marathon Negotiations in Belagavi
The road to this potential agreement involved intense discussions in Belagavi, where stakeholders gathered for an exhaustive session. According to Shivakumar, the talks began at 11 a.m. and stretched well into the night, concluding only at 12:30 a.m.
The scale of the meetings highlighted the government's urgency to settle the matter. Participants included:
- Approximately 70 MLAs and MPs.
- Nine state ministers.
- Officials from the Finance Department and other key government bodies.
- Farmer leaders representing every district across the state.
- Representatives from various sugar factories.
Factories Agree to Fixed Rates
A critical breakthrough in the talks was the willingness of sugar factories to cooperate. Shivakumar stated that the factories have agreed to abide by the rate that is fixed following these discussions and will ensure that subsequent payments are made to the farmers accordingly.
"For the government, farmers are more important than anyone; they must survive - that is the decision," Shivakumar emphasized, noting that while a "happy ending" is in sight, the stakeholders have requested two more days to finalize the specific details.
The Road to a Final Decision
While the parties are very close to a resolution, a final meeting is expected within the next two days. This concluding session will take place either in Belagavi or Bengaluru, depending on the convenience of the representatives. The Deputy CM assured the farming community that the state government remains fully committed to their support.
The Role of the Central Government
Despite the progress at the state level, Shivakumar pointed out a significant hurdle: the necessity of Central Government involvement. He explained that sugar factories are hesitant to agree to a floor price unless the overall sugar price is fixed by the Centre.
To address this, the Deputy CM has already written to the Prime Minister. He expressed his readiness to travel to the national capital at any time to negotiate with the Central Government and convince their committee to reach a viable decision.
Appeal to Farmers to Resume Harvesting
Addressing the ongoing protests, the Deputy CM questioned the need for continued demonstrations, asserting that the state government is firmly on the side of the farmers. He made a heartfelt plea to the growers to allow the harvesting of sugarcane to proceed.
Shivakumar promised that the government would continue to consult with its officers and factory owners, while simultaneously engaging the Centre, to ensure a swift and fair resolution to the pricing crisis.