Farmers’ groups discuss list of demands ahead of meeting with Karnataka CM Shivakumar
Nearly 30 leaders of various organisations discussed revising the minimum selling price for sugar and a higher Fair and Remunerative Price for sugarcane
On October 25, 2026, farmers' groups gathered to discuss and finalize a list of demands they wish to present to Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar during an upcoming meeting in Belagavi on October 26, 2026. The meeting aimed to address the farmers' grievances and negotiate better terms for their produce.
Several farmer leaders convened in various locations ahead of the meeting to prepare their case. Some expressed skepticism about the potential outcome, with Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi confirming he would not be attending, citing prior commitments in New Delhi. This decision disappointed some farmers, who felt he should have prioritized their concerns.
During the online meeting attended by nearly 30 leaders, the demands included revising the minimum selling price for sugar and increasing the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane. The consensus was to push for transparent pricing, avoiding the use of a "magic number." Additionally, leaders advocated for differential pricing between domestic use and industry for sugar.
Some leaders urged the Union Government to withdraw its decision not to procure sugarcane-based ethanol. Others called for implementing the C.Rangarajan committee's recommendation to treat farmers as shareholders, rather than merely suppliers. They demanded factories pay the FRP for sugarcane and share profits from ethanol, co-generated power, molasses, and other byproducts.
Prof. Kammaradi proposed setting up an open portal to document and monitor factories' activities, including harvest, transport, payments to farmers, and recovery declarations. The State Government, he argued, should take the lead in implementing the Rangarajan Committee's report, following the UPA government's appointment of the committee at the Centre.
Differences emerged among the farmers regarding unity, with some young farmers expressing concerns about a lack of cohesion among groups from north and south Karnataka. Others disagreed with the demand for the State Government to set a State Advised Price (SAP) unilaterally, separate from the FRP set by the Central Government.
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