Karnataka sugarcane farmers intensify agitation, disrupt highway traffic in six districts

Bengaluru: Demanding higher sugarcane prices and an increase in the minimum support price for sugar, farmers staged widespread protests across Karnataka on Tuesday, blocking national highways in several districts after talks with the Union government failed to produce a settlement.

The protesters sought an increase of Rs. 60 in the sugar MSP and a revision of the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) paid to sugarcane growers. Demonstrations were reported from Hubballi, Belagavi, Mandya, Haveri, Koppal and Dharwad, where road blockades disrupted traffic.In Hubballi, farmers obstructed the Pune-Bengaluru highway near Gabbur bypass by placing stones, wooden logs and barricades across the road. The agitation also prompted authorities to strengthen security near Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s residence.

In Belagavi district, protesters blocked highways at three locations. At the Hirebagewadi toll plaza, hundreds of farmers led by Shashikant Guruji demonstrated against the Centre and blocked the toll gate. Some protesters lay on the road as part of the agitation. Another blockade was organised near the Hattargi toll plaza in Hukkeri taluk.Mandya, known for its sugar industry, also witnessed a strong response. Farmers’ association members and Kannada Sena activists blocked the old Bengaluru-Mysuru highway near Sanjay Circle and raised slogans against both the state and Union governments.

In Haveri, farmers gathered near the Bankapur toll gate, while members of the Bharatiya Krantikari Kisan Sena staged a demonstration near the Hitnal toll gate in Koppal. Roadblocks were also reported near Tegur and Yarikoppa in Dharwad district. Joshi urged farmers to end the highway protests and pursue negotiations. He said discussions had been held with state ministers on issues involving the state-advised price, discrepancies in sugarcane weighing and recovery rates. He also referred to the expansion of ethanol blending and said the government was committed to farmers’ welfare. Police maintained heightened security amid the protests.

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The Hans India