Belagavi farmers continue sugarcane stir despite partial gains

The farmers had been demanding Rs. 5,500 per tonne and resorted to several forms of protest, including national highway blockades, a foot march, a state-wide bandh and a jail bharo campaign.

Belagavi: Sugarcane farmers in Belagavi have received a partial response to their month-long agitation, with the government announcing a price of Rs. 3,600 per tonne. The announcement was made by district in-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi after talks with sugar factory owners, but the farmers have insisted that the minister should come to their protest venue and make the declaration officially.

The farmers had been demanding Rs. 5,500 per tonne and resorted to several forms of protest, including national highway blockades, a foot march, a state-wide bandh and a jail bharo campaign.

As the agitation gathered momentum, Jarkiholi chaired a meeting with representatives of sugar factories at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Wednesday. After the meeting, he announced that Rs. 3,600 per tonne had been fixed for sugarcane grown in Belagavi district.

The minister’s announcement followed discussions on the concerns of growers and the sugar industry’s position. The district has been given a higher rate because of its comparatively better sugarcane yield. Areas with lower productivity will receive a lower price.

Farmer leader Chunappa Pujari welcomed the announcement but said it was only the first achievement of their struggle. He urged the minister to visit the protest site and communicate the decision directly to the farmers.

Meanwhile, the administration’s decision to impose prohibitory orders across Belagavi city has further angered the protesters. The jail bharo padayatra was expected to reach the city on Thursday, prompting the authorities to tighten security.

Farmers questioned the restrictions, arguing that they had been holding peaceful demonstrations. Some protesters said they would continue towards the city regardless of police action and were ready to face a lathi-charge or even firing.

Police personnel have been deployed to prevent the march from entering restricted areas and to maintain order.

The announcement has provided a measure of relief to sugarcane growers, but it has not ended the dispute. Farmers are awaiting a formal declaration at the protest site and have yet to indicate that they will withdraw their agitation.