The Bidadi agitation widens the debate on development, food security and livelihoods

Farmers participating in the Bairamangala Chalo rally protesting the Bidadi township project in Bidadi. | Photo credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

The farmers’ agitation against the Bidadi Township Project, which gained momentum in Bairamangal on Monday, has not only challenged large-scale land acquisition but also sparked discussions on food security, linear development models and the social implications of a paradigm shift in land use.

A key issue raised by farmers’ leader Badagalapura Nagendra was what he called “Bengaluru-centric development” that consumes fertile agricultural land on the outskirts of the city. He cited the recent Devanahalli protest as an example.

“Imagine that water is supplied to Bengaluru through the sixth and seventh stages of the Cauvery, which is a sign that development is worth something,” he pointed out.

The protest included cultivators from Mandya and Mysuru, who said their participation went beyond mere solidarity.

Fear of the future

“Yes, we share the same occupation and there is an emotional connection, but this development also raises fears that it may be our turn next. Today it is Bidadi, tomorrow it may be Mandya and a few days later Chamarajanagar,” said Radha, a farmer from Mandya.

Govindaraju, a farmer leader from Tumakuru, expressed concern about food security. Addressing the gathering, he pointed out that if the project went ahead, large tracts of horticultural crops would be destroyed.

According to documents accessed by The Hindu, more than 400 acres of ragi cultivation will be lost if the project is implemented. In terms of dairy products, farmers in the 26 villages proposed for acquisition collectively produce 6 million liters of milk every day. Coconut, paddy vegetables and fruits like banana and mango would also be affected.

Talking about the social impact, Yasavantha T., state general secretary of the Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS), said many families are already experiencing internal conflicts over whether to part with the land or not, as well as with their neighbours, erasing years of shared bonds.

Farmer leader Nagaraju MR raised a critical question: how will all the families in these villages be rehabilitated and where are they expected to go? “Even if they move to distant places and buy land elsewhere, these villages will always regard us as migrants,” he stressed.

No social impact study

A source from the Greater Bengaluru Development Authority said the government has not conducted a social impact study as it is not mandatory under the Land Acquisition Act.

Mr. Nagaraju also pointed out that land prices around the proposed township are already skyrocketing, which would eventually lead to demands for further expansion, turning the whole process into a vicious circle.

MLA for Melkote Darshan Puttannaiah cited the example of Delhi to explain how township expansion can disrupt agrarian culture.

“Years ago, agricultural land in Noida was acquired from farmers after paying a hefty compensation. The farmers took these cheques, drained the money and now many of them are working as watchmen,” said Mr. Puttannaiah.

Together, the protesters emphasized that the issue is not just about changing land ownership, but about a complete transformation of their lifestyle and society.

Published – 22 Jun 2026 23:05 IST