Sugarcane farmers call off stir after CM's assurance

In a late Thursday evening development, the sugarcane farmers have withdrawn their stir following the assurance by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy that a committee led by sugar commissioner would be constituted to look into the problems of the cane growers and the find solutions thereon.

The growers, joined by farmer bodies, had launched an indefinite protest here last Saturday seeking a fair and remunerative price for sugarcane. A delegation of 20 farmers, including Bharatiya Krishika Samaja (United) president Siddagouda Modagi met the chief minister and apprised him of the problems faced by the sugarcane growers.

The chief minister, it is said, assured the delegation of directing the sugar commissioner to take legal action against defaulting factories who have failed to settle the farmers’ dues. Kumaraswamy also directed the commissioner to ensure the current year’s payment in accordance with fare and remunerative prices in the first instalment. He further assured the delegation of taking an appropriate decision on the remunerative price of sugarcane.

Earlier in the day, The police prevented the agitating farmers from picketing the Suvarna Soudha. Heated arguments ensued between the police and the farmers when the agitators were stopped from reaching the national highway.

Police Commissioner D C Rajappa and Deputy Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Seema Latkar and police personnel managed to convince the agitating farmers to drop gherao plan and return to the protest site.

The police detained over 30 farmer leaders, including Siddagouda Modgi, Chunappa Pujari, Ashok Yamakanamaradi, Jayasri Gurannavar among others, and released them later.