Karnataka CM calls for joint effort to address sugarcane growers' MSP demand

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said a joint effort is needed to solve sugarcane growers' problems, including their demand for a minimum support price (MSP). He told reporters near his Sadashivanagar residence that responsibility lies with farmers, factories and the government alike. Shivakumar said factories can run only if farmers plant sugarcane, and factories must crush the cane without losses, otherwise both livelihoods suffer. He announced that he has informed elected representatives that the growers' issues will be discussed and that he will meet farmers and sugar factory owners separately. Central ministers, MPs and local ministers from the region will also be invited to a meeting on a mutually convenient date. The chief minister said he had given his word to the farmers in Belagavi and stressed that dialogue and peace are essential. On drought relief, Shivakumar said he has asked the Union government for an appointment but a date is not yet fixed. He reminded ministers to gear up for the upcoming local body elections, noting the Supreme Court’s order to finish polls by December 31 and the Election Commission’s plan to release a new voters’ list on October 27. He also mentioned a cabinet decision in Mangaluru to release funds for Panchayat‑level road and drinking‑water projects, and asked MLAs to submit funding reports. Shivakumar concluded by wishing the state a happy Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami. ## Context The MSP demand reflects ongoing tension between farmer income security and factory profitability, while the election timeline follows a court directive to ensure timely local governance.