Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah.
Credit: PTI File Photo
Bengaluru: Amid protests by sugarcane farmers in the Kittur Karnataka region seeking higher prices for their crop, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified on Thursday that the procurement price was set by the Union government and that he would seek an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the issue.
Addressing reporters after a Cabinet meeting, Siddaramaiah said: "Tomorrow, I will meet owners of all sugar factories in the state at 11 am. We will discuss the farmers' protest and their demand to get a greater Fair and Remunerative Price. At 1 pm, we called a meeting of farmer leaders...Tomorrow, I am writing a letter to the PM seeking his appointment. If he gives time, I will go to Delhi and discuss the farmers' problems with him."
Sugarcane farmers have been demanding higher rates for their produce and have even warned of launching a strike and blocking highways from November 7 (Friday).
Sugarcane growers harvesting sugarcane at Chikkodi in Belagavi district. Credit: DH photo by Nitin Golap
Explaining that the price of sugarcane depended on the recovery rate, the chief minister noted that the Union government had passed an order on May 06, 2025, fixing the prices.
He accused the opposition of "using" the innocence of the farmers and providing "false" information to them. "Though the Union government's responsibility is more in this, the Opposition is trying to politicise it. I request the farmers not to fall prey to the words of the opposition.”
Siddu writes to PM, seeks appointment
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which he noted that farmers were demanding Rs 3,500 per tonne (after deductions).
“Our state has acted diligently, yet the crisis persists because the fundamental levers are in the hands of the union government. I therefore request for a prompt meeting with you so that we may address these issues in concert for the sake of our sugarcane farming community, our rural economy and the integrity of the sugarcane value-chain in Karnataka and the nation”.