Mysuru: Demanding the fixation of a State Recommended Price (SRP) and an increase in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane, members of the Sugarcane Growers Association and various farmers’ organisations staged a protest and attempted to lay siege to the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mysuru on Tuesday.
The protest, which continued for more than three hours, witnessed road blockades, heated exchanges with police and demonstrations against the Union and Karnataka governments. The agitation also disrupted vehicular movement, forcing the police to divert traffic through alternative routes.
The protesters demanded better remuneration for sugarcane growers, alleging that the prices fixed by the governments were inadequate and failed to address the financial difficulties faced by farmers.
Farmers march from Siddhartha Nagar to DC office
The protesters initially assembled in front of the milk dairy in Siddhartha Nagar, where they raised slogans against the Union and state governments.
They later took out a march towards the Deputy Commissioner’s office to press for their demands. The demonstration was led by members of the Sugarcane Growers Association along with representatives of various farmers’ organisations.
As the protesters approached the DC’s office, the police had strengthened security arrangements and installed barricades to prevent them from entering the premises.
However, the agitating farmers removed the barricades and attempted to enter the office compound. Police personnel stopped them, resulting in heated arguments between the protesters and the security personnel.
Road blockade disrupts traffic for over three hours
During the agitation, the protesters blocked the road, disrupting vehicular movement in the area and causing inconvenience to commuters.
In an unusual form of protest, the farmers also prepared and consumed food on the road, further affecting traffic movement.
As the demonstration continued for more than three hours, the police diverted vehicles through alternative routes to manage the congestion.
The protesters also burnt photographs of Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi as part of their demonstration against the governments’ handling of sugarcane pricing issues.
Farmers compare Karnataka prices with other states
Addressing the gathering, Sugarcane Growers Association president Kurubur Shanthakumar highlighted the differences in sugarcane prices across various states and demanded that Karnataka provide better remuneration to growers.
He said the State Recommended Price per tonne of sugarcane was Rs 4,480 in Punjab, Rs 4,200 in Uttar Pradesh and Rs 4,000 in Tamil Nadu.
Comparing these rates with the situation in Karnataka, Shanthakumar criticised Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s reported statement that the state government did not have the authority to fix the price.
He argued that sugarcane farmers in Karnataka should also receive a remunerative price in line with the rates offered in other states.
Farmers accuse governments of neglecting growers
Shanthakumar alleged that attempts were being made to divert the ongoing agitation by sugarcane farmers in North Karnataka.
He criticised the Union government for fixing what he described as a low Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP), stating that it had pushed farmers into financial distress.
He further pointed out that sugarcane and sugar production across the country could decline, but the government was still hesitant to increase the FRP.
According to him, farmers’ organisations had come together to fight for the interests of sugarcane growers and secure better prices for their produce.
The association demanded that both the Union and state governments address the concerns of farmers and take steps to ensure fair compensation.
Police hold discussions with farmer leaders
Deputy Commissioners of Police Harsha Priyamvada and K S Sundar Raju visited the protest site and held discussions with the farmer leaders.
The protesters insisted that they be allowed to enter the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises to present their demands.
Following the discussions, the farmer representatives submitted a memorandum to Additional Deputy Commissioner R Aishwarya.
Among the farmer leaders who participated in the protest were Hallikerehundi Bhagyaraj, Attihalli Devaraj, Hosuru Kumar, P Somashekar, Baradanampura Nagaraj, Kirgasuru Shankar and Netravathi.
The agitation reflected the growing concerns among sugarcane growers over procurement prices and the need for better financial returns. The farmers maintained that a revision of the FRP and the fixation of an appropriate SRP were essential to protect growers’ interests and address the challenges facing the agricultural sector.