Pune-Bengaluru highway blocked by sugarcane farmers demanding better prices, resignation of Union Minister
Seek resignation of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi for inviting them to New Delhi for a meeting, and failing to listen to their grievances
Sugarcane farmers in Karnataka halted the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway on Tuesday, demanding higher prices and better treatment from the government. The protesters blocked the road at Hirebagevadi and Hattaragi in Belagavi district and expressed their grievances on social media. They are seeking a revision of the Minimum Support Price for sugar, raising the Fair and Remunerative Price for sugarcane, and transparency in weighing and recovery assessment in factories.
The farmers also want differential pricing for domestic and industrial consumers of sugar, and a law that treats them as shareholders in sugar factories, sharing profits from all by-products. They called for the resignation of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, accusing him of not considering the interests of farmers when creating policies.
Farmers staged a roadblock, stopping heavy vehicles and allowing only two-wheelers and cars for emergencies on the service roads. They slept on the road, shouted slogans against the Union Government, and demanded Joshi's resignation. The protest took place on October 13, 2026, amidst increased police deployment at the toll plazas.
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