The sugarcane farmers’ protests across northern Karnataka have intensified, with thousands of growers demanding a fair price of Rs 3,500 per tonne for their crop. The agitation, which began in Belagavi’s Gurlapur Cross and spread to other districts such as Bagalkote, Vijayapura, and Haveri, entered its second week, causing significant disruptions and drawing political attention.

In response, BJP Leader of Opposition R Ashoka sharply criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for shifting blame to the Central government instead of directly addressing farmers’ grievances. Posting on X, Ashoka said, “7 days, thousands of sugarcane farmers on the streets, but CM Siddaramaiah has just one solution: Blame the Centre.” He added that the Chief Minister, once vocal in opposition, now “hides behind excuses and abandons farmers,” and demanded Siddaramaiah resign if he cannot govern effectively.

Siddaramaiah, meanwhile, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting the central policies impacting sugarcane pricing, including the Fair and Remunerative Price formula, export curbs, and underutilized ethanol off-take. He sought an urgent meeting with the PM to address the “serious situation” caused by the protests and has scheduled talks with farmer leaders and sugar factory representatives.

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Farmers have also put forth specific demands, including a Rs 500 per tonne incentive above the FRP and a Rs 5,000 crore revolving fund to support them amid the crisis. The protest has seen escalating tensions, with incidents of stone-pelting and blockades on highways disrupting transport and daily life. The state government’s response and the outcome of upcoming meetings are expected to determine whether the agitation will continue or subside.

This ongoing farmers’ movement underscores the broader challenges faced by agricultural communities in Karnataka, with calls growing louder for swift and concrete government action to alleviate their distress.

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