Karnataka Sugarcane Farmers Lie Before Vehicles, Block Highways After Failed Talks with Centre

A day after talks with Union ministers in Delhi failed to produce an immediate decision on sugarcane prices, farmers in Karnataka blocked several national highways on Tuesday, intensifying their demand for higher prices for their produce. The protesters are demanding an increase in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane and the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations to ensure fair returns for farmers.

Several districts, including Belagavi, Bagalkot, Vijayapura and Dharwad, witnessed large gatherings of farmers. The highway blockades caused severe traffic congestion on key routes, including the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway and National Highway 50 near Nidagundi. In Belagavi, protesters blocked both carriageways of the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway near the Hattargi toll plaza in Hukkeri taluk, news agency PTI reported. Protests were also reported at the Kugnoli check-post and Hirebagewadi toll plaza in the district.

Farmers said they would continue their agitation until the government addressed their demands.

Highways Blocked, Traffic Disrupted

At some places, farmers deliberately stopped traffic in an attempt to grab the attention of the government. In Bagalkot district, farmers blocked the Raichur-Solapur National Highway near Govinda Patti, bringing trucks and other vehicles to a standstill. Some protesters even lay down in front of vehicles to prevent traffic from moving.

Members of Hasiru Sene (Green Army) blocked National Highway 50 on the outskirts of Nidagundi town, disrupting traffic between Vijayapura and Bengaluru. In Dharwad, farmer organisations called for a highway blockade near Palikkoppa. Police deployed additional personnel, including members of the Karnataka State Reserve Police, as a precautionary measure. 

Police held discussions with protesters at several locations. However, the farmers maintained that the blockades would continue until their demands were met.

What Are The Karnataka Farmers Demanding?

The farmers are seeking higher prices for sugarcane, including an increase in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP), and the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations. The FRP is the minimum price that sugar mills are legally required to pay sugarcane farmers for their produce. It is determined by the Centre, taking into account factors such as production costs, returns to farmers and the interests of sugarcane growers and sugar mills.

The farmers have also called for the implementation of the recommendations made by the National Commission on Farmers, chaired by agricultural scientist Professor M S Swaminathan. Established in 2004, the commission examined the challenges faced by farmers and proposed structural reforms to improve agricultural productivity, livelihoods and access to remunerative prices.

The commission's recommendations included measures to ensure that farmers received fair returns for their produce and that agricultural policies addressed the rising costs and risks associated with farming.

Pralhad Joshi Appeals To Farmers To End Agitation

Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday appealed to the protesting farmers to withdraw their agitation, assuring them that the Centre would examine their concerns. Speaking after meeting farmer leaders in Delhi, Joshi said the issue required coordination between several Union ministries and state governments.

"The Government of India, the Modi government, is with you. This cannot be done by one or two ministries alone; several ministries are involved. State governments also have a role to play -- all state governments," he said.

Joshi said he and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had heard the farmers' grievances. He added that a committee would be constituted to examine the issues raised by them. "Before determining these prices, we officially obtain information from the state governments. Since several factors are involved, there is no need for anyone to become agitated," he said, urging farmers not to take to the streets.

However, the meeting did not result in an immediate decision on sugarcane prices, prompting farmers to intensify their protests on Tuesday.

Karnataka Government Seeks Consultations With Other States

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who also held discussions with Joshi on Monday night, said the issue required consultations with other states. "Farmers are protesting to demand a higher price for their sugarcane. We discussed what needs to be done -- the situation of farmers in the state and the condition of the factories," he told reporters.

Shivakumar said the issue was not limited to Karnataka and that the Centre would need to consult other states before arriving at a decision. "This is not an issue confined to our state alone. They have to consult other states as well. They have said that they will speak to everyone and arrive at a decision," he added.

With no immediate resolution in sight, farmers have said they will continue their agitation until the government takes concrete steps to address their demands.

(With Agency Inputs)