Sugarcane growers demand higher incentive, share in profits from byproducts

Sugarcane growers staging a road blockade at Ram Mandir Circle in Kalaburagi on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI

Sugarcane growers continued their indefinite agitation for the second day in Kalaburagi on Wednesday demanding a minimum price of ₹5,500 per tonne of sugarcane and the fulfilment of a series of other demands, including a higher State incentive and a share in profits from byproducts of sugar mills.

Led by the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene, farmers from Kalaburagi, Bidar, Yadgir and Vijayapura districts staged a road blockade at Ram Mandir Circle despite the scorching heat.

The agitation is part of the State-wide farmers protest. The growers also blocked traffic on the Humnabad Ring Road for 45 minutes starting 11.30 a.m.

The protesters said that the agitation will continue until their demands are met.

Farmer leader Sharanabasappa Mamshetty said that both the Union and State governments have remained indifferent despite the farmers agitation for their just demands.