Minister of Sugar and Sugarcane Development Shivanand Patil criticizes the Central government for misleading farmers on sugarcane MSP, highlighting state support and BJP factory influence
Hubballi
Minister of Sugar and Sugarcane Development, Shivanand Patil voiced his strong criticism of the Central government over the ongoing debate on Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) and Minimum Support Price (MSP) for sugarcane farmers. The minister reacted sharply to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s claim that the state government was shifting blame for issues faced by sugarcane growers.
Patil pointed out that the President of the Private Sugar Factory Owners’ Association in the state is a BJP member and that many factories belong to leaders from Joshi’s party. Despite being aware of the problems, a report falsely suggested that no progress has been made, he said, demanding clarification from Minister Joshi.
The minister highlighted that the Karnataka government has provided Rs 200 above the fixed FRP per tonne in most areas, and in some regions, farmers received Rs 300–350 extra. He emphasized that the sale, control, and export-import of sugar and ethanol fall under the central government’s jurisdiction. “It is unfair to criticize the state while creating confusion,” he added.
Patil also mentioned that efforts are underway to provide MSP support for maize, but the responsibility for fixing it rests with the central government. Repeated statements by Pralhad Joshi and former CM Basavaraj Bommai, targeting Karnataka, are misleading the public, he said.
On internal party matters, Patil clarified that the Chief Minister’s powers, cabinet expansion, and restructuring decisions are final decisions of the high command. While the details of discussions between CM Siddaramaiah and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge remain unknown, he asserted that the party would stand united regardless.
