Differences among factions lead to delay in sugarcane farmers meeting
Some farmers say that a handful of their brethren cannot decide the fate of all of them
A crucial meeting of sugarcane farmers and factories was delayed in Belagavi after factions of farmers disagreed on who should attend the gathering. District officials invited a select group of 50 farmers, upsetting others who insisted that a few farmers cannot represent the entire community. Some farmers gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner's office, demanding an invitation to the meeting and the location be changed to an open space for a larger turnout.
Police prevented them from entering, as only those with invitations could attend. Inside the meeting, some farmers leaders supported the officials' decision. An argument ensued among factions, with district officials refusing to move the meeting outdoors. In-charge Deputy Commissioner Rahul Shindhe convened the meeting to resolve the dispute over sugarcane prices.
Farmers demanded factories pay ₹4,500 per tonne, while factories sought to maintain the Fair and Remunerative Price of ₹3,650 per tonne. On October 26, factions clashed at a Chief Minister's meeting in Suvarna Soudha due to unclear demands.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
