Cane Farmers Unrest
Belagavi
The indefinite protest by sugarcane farmers near Gurlapur Cross in Mudalagi taluk entered its sixth consecutive day, with farmers demanding that the government fix the sugarcane procurement price at ₹3,500 per tonne. Though the crushing season has already begun, the rate has not yet been finalized, angering the farmers. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan held talks with sugar mill owners to agree on ₹3,200 per tonne, but the farmers refused to compromise on their demand.
Farmers suspect that close ties between the state government and sugar mill lobbies are causing the delay in announcing the price. Agitated protesters blocked the Belagavi–Bagalkote–Vijayapura highway, bringing traffic to a complete halt and causing severe inconvenience to commuters. With no response yet from the government or concerned ministers, farmers have warned of intensifying their agitation.
Meanwhile, in Bagalkote district’s Jamakhandi taluk, protests turned violent at the Prabhulingeshwar Sugar Factory when unidentified miscreants pelted stones at parked vehicles and the factory office, shattering windshields. Farmers clarified that they were not responsible for the violence. Police from Jamakhandi rushed to the spot, tightened security, and initiated an investigation.
The farmers’ movement, now in its seventh day, is spreading across Belagavi district, with demonstrations and road blockades reported in Chikkodi, Athani, and Raybag taluks. In support, a bandh has been called in Hukkeri town. Minister Satish Jarkiholi stated that he has directed officials to hold discussions with farmers to resolve their concerns promptly.
