Farmers accuse the state government of ignoring their plight despite ongoing demonstrations.
The Kittur Karnataka sugarcane farmers’ protest entered its sixth day on Monday, gathering strength as college students joined the agitation at Gokak Naka No.1 under the leadership of Ganesh Iliger. What began as a demand for a fixed rate of ₹3,500 per tonne for sugarcane has now spread across Belagavi, Chikkodi, Bailhongal, Mudalagi, Athani, and Hukkeri.
Farmers have expressed growing anger over the state government’s silence, alleging neglect despite days of protest. A major agitation was also reported near Gurlapur in Belagavi district, where protesters blocked roads and raised slogans demanding fair payment for their crop.
According to the farmers, they are currently receiving as low as ₹800 per tonne — an amount they say fails to cover production costs. BJP leader C.T. Ravi extended his support, asserting that farmers should be paid in accordance with the central government guidelines. He criticised the state government’s inaction and alleged that certain sugar factory owners are also ministers, hinting at a conflict of interest.
Ravi further targeted Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar, accusing the party of acting only during election time and calling the recent announcement of paid leave for migrant workers from Bihar a “drama.”
With political backing and rising public support, the protest shows no sign of easing. Farmers have vowed to continue until their demand for ₹3,500 per tonne is fulfilled, urging the government to respond without further delay.
