Politics · India Bureau
Karnataka sugarcane farmers protest over pricing, drought damage
Sugarcane cultivators in Shivamogga have intensified their agitation as negotiations between the government, factory owners and farmer representatives have reached an impasse over price determination. The crisis has been compounded by an unprecedented drought that is threatening crops across the region.
LSN India ·
Farmers in Karnataka's Shivamogga district have staged demonstrations to press the state government to address long-standing grievances over sugarcane pricing and compensation for drought-affected harvests. The coordinated action reflects mounting frustration after multiple rounds of talks involving government officials, sugar mill operators and a farmers' coordination committee have failed to yield concrete outcomes.
According to protesting farmers, the pricing dispute remains unresolved despite negotiations, leaving them uncertain about returns on their investment. The situation has been further aggravated by severe drought conditions across the region, causing standing crops to wither in fields and threatening substantial losses for cultivators already facing financial strain.
The farmers have called on state authorities to intervene decisively in the stalled negotiations and implement measures to mitigate drought-related damage. Their demands include fair price guarantees and relief packages commensurate with crop losses incurred due to the drought.
Shivamogga, a significant sugarcane-producing district in Karnataka, has seen recurring tensions between farmers and factory operators over pricing mechanisms and timely payment for harvested cane. The current standoff adds to concerns about the sustainability of sugarcane cultivation in the region amid climate-related challenges.