Prahlad Joshi invites sugarcane farmers to Delhi amid pricing row
Union Minister Prahlad Joshi invites Hubballi sugarcane farmers to Delhi following intense protests over pricing and MSP demands.
The escalating tension between sugarcane growers and the government reached a new turning point on Tuesday as Union Minister Prahlad Joshi extended an invitation to protesting farmer leaders to travel to New Delhi for high-level discussions. This development comes amidst intensifying agitations in Hubballi, where farmers are demanding significant changes to sugarcane pricing and procurement policies.
Tensions boil over in Hubballi
The protest, centered at Chennamma Circle, saw a surge in intensity as farmers voiced their frustration over what they describe as inadequate compensation for their produce. The agitation took a dramatic turn when protesters attempted to march toward the residence of Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, leading to a confrontation with police at the barricades. Following the intervention, the demonstration shifted its location to the area near Ramesh Bhavan.
The farmers' demands are centered on several critical economic pillars:
- Price Hikes: A demand for a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 60 per kg for sugarcane.
- FRP Revision: An urgent call to increase the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP).
- Ethanol Procurement: Mandatory procurement of ethanol produced within the state.
- Policy Implementation: The full implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report.
Farmers claim outdated pricing models
Leader of the farmers, Channappa Pujari, highlighted the economic distress facing growers, alleging that the current rates being paid to farmers are reminiscent of prices from years ago. He emphasized that the government has a moral obligation to protect those who provide the nation's food security, insisting that any meaningful resolution must involve decisions made at the Cabinet level.
Minister Joshi responds from New Delhi
Responding to the unrest via a video statement, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi addressed the long-standing grievances regarding the Fair and Remunerative Price. He noted that farmer representatives had previously met with him in February 2026 to discuss these very issues.
Joshi defended the current administration's track record, stating:
"The Modi government is always ready to take decisions in the interest of farmers."
The Minister pointed out that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the FRP has seen annual increases, most recently rising to Rs 365 in May following recommendations from the State Cane Commissioner and the Price Fixation Committee. He reiterated his invitation for the farmer leaders to meet with relevant officials in the national capital to find a way forward.
Will farmers head to the capital?
In an effort to bridge the gap, BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginakayi visited the protest site at Ramesh Bhavan to personally convey the Minister's message. He urged the agitated farmers to accept the invitation for talks in Delhi to resolve the impasse.
As of now, the farming community remains undecided on their next move. While the invitation offers a path for dialogue, the protesters maintain that their primary focus remains on securing concrete, binding decisions regarding sugarcane pricing and procurement protocols.