Belagavi farmers continue highway protests demanding sugar price revision

Farmers in Belagavi have vowed to keep protesting on the highway until Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi gives a clear promise to revise the minimum selling price of sugar within a week.

Protest Demands

Groups such as the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, Hasiru Sene, Kabbu Belegarara Okkoota, and Samyukta Kisan Morcha are taking part in the stir at Hire Bagewadi and Hattargi. Farmer leader Shashikant Padasalagi Guru accused the Union Minister of telling lies by claiming farmers did not submit their demands in advance. He stated that representatives met Mr. Joshi in Hubballi eight months ago to ask for a revision of the sugar price, which has stayed at thirty-one rupees for nine years, and the fair and remunerative price, which remains below cultivation costs. Protesters also rejected a government request for one month to address the issues, asking why time is needed when fuel prices are raised overnight. Organisers plan to build an inter-state network with sugarcane growers from states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, with leaders like Rakesh Tikait expected to join soon. Another KRRS leader, Chunappa Pujari, noted that the protest was planned well in advance and not a snap strike.

Police Response

Authorities deployed about 2,000 police personnel, including civil and reserve units, at the protest sites. Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan instructed officers not to use force or get provoked by angry outbursts, noting that peaceful protest is a fundamental right. Police Commissioner Prakash Nikam also visited the site to monitor the situation. Officials set up multiple alternative routes for traffic between Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa to keep commercial transport moving smoothly.

Context

Minimum support prices and fair pricing for crops like sugarcane are central to agricultural policy debates in India, often leading to large-scale demonstrations by grower unions. National highways frequently become focal points for such protests because blocking key transport routes draws immediate government attention.