An indefinite agitation in front of Shatavahana Factory near Siddammanahalli, launched by farmers to seek compensation for crop loss due to dust, continued on Thursday also.
   Hundreds of farmers from Siddammanahalli, Kudutini and Yelubenchi took part in the agitation. They alleged that over 1,800 acres land in these villages was turned sterile due to dust emitted by the factory.
   Hence, the factory should announce Rs 2,500 as compensation for each acre crop loss. They also demanded construction of a 20-foot compound wall around the factory and allow the public to use Bellary-Kallukambha road as earlier.
   The agitators warned the factory management to resolve the problem in three days, else they would intensify their agitation. Meanwhile, the factory manager Ramankumar met the agitators and told them that the factory can afford Rs 600 as compensation to only those farmers, who had land just beside the factory. The offer was rejected by the agitators.