Sugarcane growers took part in a protest rally demanding higher prices at Mudhol in Bagalkot district on Wednesday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Sugarcane growers on Wednesday continued their protests at Mudhol in Bagalkot and other places, demanding prices higher than ₹3,300 per tonne fixed by the state government.
In Mudhol, farmers gathered with oxen and tried to surround the government offices.
They have been on strike for three days now, demanding ₹3,500 per tonne.
The rally, which started at Sangolli Rayanna Circle, reached the Tahsildar’s office via Gandhi Circle, Basaveshwara Circle, Ambedkar Circle, Shivaji Circle, Gadannavara Circle and Ranna Circle.
The farmers also blocked the Kasaba-Jambagi junction and refused to allow trucks carrying sugarcane to reach the factories.
An attempt to negotiate with the farmers led by district minister RB Thimmapur and district administration officials failed.
Protesters locked down some state government offices as well as the local post office. But the police stopped them when they tried to lock the mini Vidhana Soudha.
Farmer leader Basavanthappa Kamble said the state government has sided with factory owners who cheat farmers in cane weighing, declare sugar utilization and do not pay fair and remunerative prices for sugarcane.
Karnataka Rajya Raitha sanghha leader Muthopa jor has warned of intensified agitation if their demand is not met.
In Kagwad, former MLA Mohan Hirachand Shah demanded that all factories pay the government-fixed price of ₹3,300 irrespective of the percentage of sugar utilised.
In Athani, leader Shivanand Khot demanded payment to farmers within 14 days of purchase.
Meanwhile, several factories in Belagavi district have said they are willing to pay the ₹3,300 announced by the state government, including a state incentive of ₹50.
Some factories like Satish Sugars in Belagavi have started crushing operations. Factory director and Congress leader Rahul Jarkiholi performed a puja to start the crushing.
The mill’s chief financial officer Pradeep Kumar Indi said the mill has set a target of crushing 15 million tonnes of sugarcane in the 2025-26 season. He promised to pay the bills on schedule.
Published – 12 Nov 2025 20:42 IST
