Sugarcane farmers across northern Karnataka have intensified their agitation over pricing concerns, marking the second consecutive week of protests. The unrest is particularly concentrated in districts such as Belagavi, Bagalkote, Haveri, and Vijayapura, regions where sugarcane cultivation forms a vital part of the local agrarian economy. The farmers are demanding a Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of ₹3,500 per tonne for sugarcane, arguing that the current rates set by the Central Government fail to adequately cover production costs and debt obligations.

The movement, which began as a relatively small sit-in at Belagavi’s Gurlapur Cross, has now expanded into a large-scale protest drawing widespread attention from both state and central authorities. The scale of the agitation has prompted heightened political and media scrutiny, particularly as the Karnataka assembly elections approach next year. Farmers have blocked roads, burnt tyres, staged demonstrations with effigies, and in some cases, escalated tensions by throwing slippers at the vehicles of government officials, including Minister Shivanand Patil.

Farmers’ Demands

At the heart of the protest is the demand for an FRP that reflects the true cost of sugarcane production. Farmer leaders claim that the current FRP, which includes deductions for harvesting and transportation, is insufficient. They assert that mills often impose heavy deductions that further reduce their net earnings, leaving many cultivators with significant debt burdens.

The sugarcane recovery rate—referring to the percentage of sugar extracted from the crop—averages around 10.5% in these regions. Farmers contend that the FRP fixed by the Centre does not adequately account for the costs incurred in achieving this level of sugar extraction. They are firm in their demand that sugar mills should pay ₹3,500 per tonne. If the mills fail to do so, the farmers insist that the state government should bridge the gap to ensure fair compensation. Farmer leader Chunappa Pujari emphasized, “We will withdraw our protest only if the government announces a higher price. If sugar factories fail to pay ₹3,500 per tonne, the state should pay the balance.”

Government Response and Political Tensions

The Karnataka state government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has attempted to clarify its position, noting that the FRP is determined by the Central Government and is outside the state’s authority to modify. “The FRP fixation is done by the Centre every year. This year too, it was announced on May 6,” Siddaramaiah stated, adding that the state can only implement the Centre’s decision and ensure timely payments to farmers. According to the Chief Minister, the current FRP is ₹3,550 per tonne at a 10.25% recovery rate, which includes harvesting and transportation costs. The price varies slightly with fluctuations in recovery rates, increasing or decreasing by ₹3.46 for every 0.1% change in recovery.

Despite this, the state government has sought to mediate the crisis by calling meetings with sugar mill owners and farmer representatives. Siddaramaiah has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an urgent appointment to discuss the matter at the national level. He has urged farmers not to block highways, describing the protest as “sincere but misled,” indicating that the state wants to avoid escalation and disruption of public life while addressing the farmers’ grievances.

The ongoing protests have also sparked a political tussle between the Congress-led state government and the BJP-led Centre. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi criticized Siddaramaiah for allegedly misrepresenting Karnataka’s ethanol allocation for 2025-26, stating that the allocation is 116.31 crore litres rather than the lower figure claimed by the Chief Minister. He further argued that the FRP, based on a 10.5% recovery rate, is already ₹3,636 per tonne, and called for issues related to harvesting and transport deductions to be resolved rather than blaming the Centre.

Escalation and Farmer Resolve

The protestors have refused to travel to Bengaluru for talks with the government, arguing that such a move would be interpreted as yielding to pressure and might weaken their collective bargaining power. The farmers have made it clear that they intend to continue the agitation until their demands for higher prices are met. Over the past week, road blockades, effigy burning, and symbolic demonstrations have created significant disruptions, affecting traffic and daily life in protest-affected districts.

Local media reports suggest that the protest has garnered support from farmers’ unions and civil society organizations, highlighting the wider discontent among cultivators in northern Karnataka. The agitation also underscores longstanding concerns over the economic sustainability of sugarcane farming, including the high cost of inputs, fluctuating market prices, and the growing debt burden on small and marginal farmers.

Economic Context of Sugarcane Cultivation

Sugarcane is a cash crop of vital importance to the economy of Karnataka, particularly in its northern districts. It contributes not only to direct agricultural income but also supports local sugar mills, transport operators, and ancillary industries. However, the economics of sugarcane farming have become increasingly challenging due to rising input costs, including fertilizers, labour, and irrigation, coupled with relatively fixed prices determined by the FRP. The farmers’ call for a higher FRP reflects their need to maintain sustainable livelihoods and to ensure that production remains economically viable.

The dispute also brings into focus the broader debate over pricing mechanisms for essential agricultural commodities in India. While the Centre sets the FRP, implementation depends on timely payments by sugar mills and the state government’s capacity to monitor compliance. Any perceived shortfall can quickly escalate into public protest, as farmers assert their right to fair compensation.

What Happens Next?

The outcome of scheduled meetings between government representatives, sugar mill owners, and farmer leaders in Bengaluru is expected to determine whether the protests continue or are resolved. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has assured that the state government’s response will be “mostly pro-farmer,” signaling potential concessions or support mechanisms to address the farmers’ demands. Meanwhile, the Centre has reiterated its position regarding the FRP and emphasized the need for fair implementation by the mills.

As Karnataka navigates this complex dispute, the sugarcane protests highlight the challenges of balancing market realities, government policies, and the livelihood needs of farmers. With political, economic, and social dimensions intertwined, the resolution of this agitation will likely require both financial adjustments and careful negotiation to prevent further escalation.

In summary, the ongoing protests by sugarcane farmers in northern Karnataka are driven by demands for a more equitable pricing structure that accounts for production costs and ensures sustainable income. While the FRP is determined by the Centre, issues related to harvesting, transport deductions, and timely payment enforcement have led to widespread dissatisfaction. The state government has initiated talks, but farmers have remained firm on their ₹3,500 per tonne demand, reflecting the intensity of their resolve and the broader economic pressures facing the region’s agrarian communities.