Kuruburu Shanthkumar, the head of the Karnataka Sugarcane Growers’ Association, stated that numerous sugar mills in the state owe approximately Rs 700 crore in unpaid cane bills spanning the past eight months. He urged the state government to take action by seizing these factories and initiating criminal proceedings against their owners if they genuinely care about the welfare of the farmers.
Speaking to the press in Belgaum on Tuesday, Kuruburu Shanthkumar highlighted that this year, the central government established the fair and remunerative price (FRP) for sugarcane at Rs 3,400 per tonne, based on a yield of 10.2. However, he expressed concern over the impact of drought conditions, resulting in a 30% reduction in sugarcane yield. Shanthkumar criticized the practice of setting prices below production costs in such circumstances and accused factories of deceiving farmers by underreporting sugarcane yields.
Shanthkumar urged the central government to revise the compensation criteria of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to adequately compensate farmers for crop damage caused by floods and droughts. He emphasized the need to replace the current minimal compensation with a fairer system. Additionally, he called upon newly elected parliamentarians to advocate for the implementation of a policy granting full waiver of crop loans for farmers impacted by floods and droughts.
He urged for the implementation of legislation to crack down on the sale of inferior quality fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds. Shanthkumar called for the immediate release of the pending incentive of approximately Rs 750 crore for dairy farmers, emphasizing the need for prompt action. Additionally, he requested that power corporations cease overcharging farmers for electricity connections to agricultural pump sets.
Four MPs from the state have been appointed as Union ministers. Shanthkumar emphasized the state’s stance on land, water, and language issues, urging firm support. He called on Parliament to address the long-standing injustices concerning the Mahadayi and Kaveri rivers. Shanthkumar also demanded action against officials from the horticulture department in Belgaum district who allegedly engaged in fraudulent activities related to the National Horticulture Mission Scheme. He highlighted a case involving three farmers from Raibag taluk who were denied grants, suspecting the involvement of influential individuals. Shanthkumar urged the district minister to address the issue, warning of statewide protests if justice is not served.
Farmer leaders Suresh Patil, Gurusiddappa Kotagi, Hattalli Devaraj, Parashuram Ettinagudd, Ramesh Hiremath, and Shasappa Navi were also present at the meeting.
