Sugarcane Protests in Belagavi: Slippers Thrown at Karnataka Minister’s Car

Belagavi, Karnataka — sugarcane farmers intensified their eight-day protest, demanding a higher Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for their crop. The demonstrations have kept Belagavi on edge as farmers press for a price they say reflects rising costs and distress in the sector.

On Thursday, as Patil left the protest site, several farmers threw slippers at his car, signaling the growing frustration with the price deadlock. Patil, Karnataka's Sugar Minister, told reporters he had come to appeal for calm and to explain the division of powers: the FRP is set by the Central Government, not the state, and the state can only facilitate discussions.

He added that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would convene a meeting with sugar mill owners to arrive at a final decision, and that the state would support farmers based on that outcome. He also noted that the path to a resolution would involve talks with the Union Sugar Minister, who is also from Karnataka, and other central officials.

Patil said he would travel to Gurlapur, the protest site, with a team including top officials to discuss possible remedies. The protest had already drawn attention for the possibility of a National Highway blockade, prompting the minister to urge restraint and emphasize that solutions must come from the central government's pricing framework.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has written to Prime Minister Modi seeking an urgent appointment to discuss the 'serious situation' arising from the ongoing agitations, underscoring the government's concern and the need for a swift, fair resolution for farmers who argue their livelihoods depend on a reasonable price.

Cover image source: Minister Shivanand Patil confident of ending sugarcane price deadlock in Karnataka 🔗

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