Karnataka sugarcane farmers pause week-long protest and set November deadline for demands

Sugarcane farmers across Karnataka temporarily suspended their week-long protest on Monday evening after holding long talks with officials and leaders at Yarikoppa near Dharwad.

Talks and Demands

The decision to halt the Hubballi Chalo padayatra followed post-midnight talks with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, and other officials that went past 3 a.m. on Monday. Farmer leader Mr. Pujari said the Union Minister assured them of a meeting and asked for time to look into their demands about the minimum support price for sugarcane. Farmer leader Shasikanth Guruji stated that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar promised a meeting with sugar factory owners at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, adding that grower representatives must join the talks and the Union government committee.

Next Steps

Farmers gave both the Union and State governments until November 26 to meet their demands. They warned that they will resume protests on November 27 and surround Mr. Joshi's house if the promises are not kept. Following the announcement, farmers who took part in the padayatra and highway blockade went back to their home villages on Monday evening using cars, goods vehicles, autorickshaws, and government buses as the Dasara festival approaches.

Context

Sugarcane growers often use long marches and highway protests in Karnataka to press authorities for better crop prices and fair treatment from sugar mills. State governments frequently step in to mediate between farmer unions and factory owners to prevent supply disruptions during the harvest season.