After nine days of intense agitation, sugarcane farmers in Belagavi called off their protest on Friday evening following the state government’s announcement of a revised rate of ₹3,300 per tonne.
The decision came after a second round of talks between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, sugar mill owners, and farmer representatives. Of the total, ₹3,250 per tonne will be paid by sugar factories, while the government will contribute a ₹50 subsidy. The announcement sparked celebrations at protest sites, where farmers burst crackers, distributed sweets, and danced in joy.
Earlier, farmers had rejected the government’s initial offer of ₹3,200 per tonne, demanding ₹3,500 in line with prices in neighbouring Maharashtra. Despite visits by Ministers H.K. Patil and Shivanand Patil, the protesters had refused to budge, accusing the government of ignoring their concerns.
Tensions escalated on Friday afternoon when a peaceful sit-in near Hattargi Toll Naka in Hukkeri taluk turned violent after police allegedly assaulted a driver while clearing the road. Enraged farmers retaliated by pelting stones and damaging vehicles, leaving six police personnel injured.
Superintendent of Police Dr. Bheemashankar Guled said the violence stemmed from a “misunderstanding” and clarified that there was no lathi-charge. Over 50 CCTV cameras have been installed to identify those involved.
Farmer leader Chunnappa Pujari condemned the violence, stating that “a few miscreants” had marred an otherwise peaceful protest. “We apologise to the injured officers. The agitation will continue peacefully at Gurlapur Cross in Mudalagi taluk,” he added.
Unrest also spread to other parts of Belagavi, where angry farmers hurled slippers and bottles at Sugar Minister Shivanand Patil’s vehicle at Gurlapur Cross, and government chief whip Ashok Pattan was confronted in Panchagavi village.
Farmer leader Shashikant Padasalagi said, “Factory owners were unwilling to go beyond ₹3,200 even if it meant shutting down operations. Our united fight compelled them to agree to ₹3,250, and with the government’s subsidy, we secured ₹3,300. This is a victory for farmers’ unity.”
He added that farmers would organise a rally during the Belagavi winter session to raise other pending issues, including a 14-day payment deadline, loan waivers, and clearance of dues.
However, Pujari remained cautious, saying, “We demanded ₹3,500, but the government offered ₹3,300. I will consult farmers before taking a final call. The Sugar Minister must visit Gurlapur Cross on Sunday and provide written assurance.”
