Negotiations between sugarcane farmers and sugar mill representatives in Belagavi, chaired by Minister Satish Jarkiholi, have failed to reach a consensus on pricing. Despite three rounds of discussions held on Tuesday, the two sides could not agree on a final rate, leaving the dispute unresolved as the meetings concluded late into the night.
The sugar factories proposed an initial payment of ₹3,500 per tonne, with a potential second installment of ₹500 if the sugar price rises to ₹50, totaling ₹4,000. However, farmer leaders rejected this offer, arguing that since the market price of sugar already exceeds ₹50, the mills should pay ₹4,000 immediately in the first installment, with any additional amount determined by the final sugar price. The farmers noted that when the sugar price was ₹31, the cane rate was set at ₹3,500, making the current offer inadequate.
The day was marked by significant unrest, including verbal altercations, protests, and road blockades. Representatives from 11 different farmer factions from across the state were present, but internal disputes over who should attend the meetings caused confusion. The district administration officials left the meeting hall in frustration after the farmer factions failed to agree on their representatives, while delegates from the district’s 29 sugar mills and the S. Nijalingappa Sugar Company sat as silent observers.
Tensions escalated when rumors circulated that the minister was holding a secret meeting with a select group of leaders. Farmers who had been waiting in the hall became angry, questioning why only 11 individuals from a single faction were invited. The protesters then moved to Rani Channamma Circle, where they completely blocked traffic for an hour. Yielding to the pressure, Minister Jarkiholi convened a new meeting at the District Panchayat hall, inviting all farmers to participate.
At the District Panchayat hall, a large number of farmers demanded that the mill representatives be present for the discussion. Minister Jarkiholi stated that he would speak with the factories himself and asked the farmers to voice their opinions. The farmers collectively demanded that mills pay ₹4,500 per tonne, the state government provide a ₹1,000 incentive, and the central government raise the minimum support price for sugar to ₹60. They also called for the full purchase of ethanol.
Farmer leaders repeatedly emphasized that 25% of the harvest has already been lost due to drying in the fields and urged for an immediate price announcement and the start of mill operations by Wednesday to sustain the farmers. When Jarkiholi said he would inform them after meeting with the factories, the crowd erupted in shouts, demanding an immediate decision. In response, the minister shifted the final meeting back to the District Collector’s office after 8 pm, where 14 farmer leaders and mill representatives gathered. The meeting ended without a clear decision, and the farmers resumed their protests and slogans as the minister and officials departed.
