Belagavi: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has assured protesting sugarcane farmers that he will convene a meeting next week involving sugar factory owners, farmer leaders and Central government officials to discuss their demands and seek a lasting solution.
Shivakumar met the farmers undertaking a padayatra in Kittur, Belagavi district, and appealed to them to call off their protest, assuring them that their concerns would be addressed after the Dasara festival.
“You have placed your trust in me. It is my responsibility to uphold that trust,” he said, adding that he was prepared to meet Union ministers and submit a formal appeal on behalf of the farmers.
The Chief Minister said the issue could not be resolved by the state government alone, as the Centre, banks and sugar factory owners also had a role to play. He emphasised that all stakeholders needed to discuss the matter collectively to arrive at a permanent solution.
“I am ready to come wherever you ask me to. I am even prepared to sleep on the streets alongside you,” he said, expressing solidarity with the growers. He described farmers as the backbone of society and said the government had a responsibility to safeguard their livelihoods.
Shivakumar said the Cooperation, Agriculture and Sugar Minister had been sent to Delhi to hold discussions with the relevant authorities.
Factory viability also a concern
The Chief Minister said sugar factories were facing challenges related to electricity procurement, production costs, financial losses and differences in regulatory frameworks between states. He said factory owners had also raised concerns about the viability of operations.
He stressed that factories must remain operational for farmers to benefit and said the proposed meeting would examine sugarcane pricing and other support measures.
Shivakumar urged farmers to continue their agitation peacefully and avoid incidents that could lead to legal complications. He said the government would not ignore their concerns.
Centre’s help sought for drought relief
The Chief Minister also said drought had been declared across Karnataka and that the state had sought an appointment with the Prime Minister to discuss relief measures. He intends to meet the Union Home Minister as well to seek assistance.
He added that the state spends around ₹22,000 crore annually on electricity for farmers and continues to implement its five guarantee schemes. He called for collective efforts to address the difficulties faced by farmers and agriculture-based industries.
