Vijayapura growers want profit-sharing formula to be extended to the whole State

Sugarcane farmers in Vijayapura district are demanding that the profit-sharing formula established between sugar factories and farmers in Belagavi district be applied statewide. A delegation of farmers presented a memorandum to the State government, asserting that they will not permit sugarcane crushing operations unless the 10 sugar factories in Vijayapura agree to a base price of ₹3,600 per tonne of cane and share profits if sugar prices exceed ₹45 per kg.

The delegation, led by farmers leaders Arvind Kulkarni, Basavaraj Patil, Sangamesh Biradar, and others, stated that if the wholesale price remains stable, farmers would earn ₹4,000-₹4,400 per tonne of sugarcane, providing relief amid rising costs of fertilizers, inputs, and labor.

Deputy Commissioner K. Anand assured the delegation that a meeting of factories and growers would be convened, and their concerns would be communicated to the State government. Vijayapura MLA and sugar factory owner Basanagouda Patil Yatnal expressed support for the farmers' demands, noting that after decades, farmers are now fighting for a cause that benefits the entire industry.

He emphasized that while farmers previously sought revisions of the Minimum Selling Price of sugar, they now recognize that an increase in the Minimum Selling Price is crucial for factories to pay higher prices for sugarcane.

Meanwhile, sugarcane growers in Bagalkot district initiated protests in several locations, refusing to accept the ₹3,600 base price offered by factories, arguing that the subsequent profit-sharing payments are speculative. A delegation of farmers, including Eerappa Hanchinal, met Deputy Commissioner Sangappa to urge factories to offer ₹4,250 per tonne of sugarcane.

The farmers alleged that factory owners have formed a clique and are colluding with politicians, exploiting the farmers' desperation. They vowed to halt any factory crushing operations or sugar sales and called for the State government to ensure the payment of all outstanding arrears to farmers. If their demands are not met, farmers threatened to intensify and expand the agitation.