The Karnataka government will decide on the sugarcane issues after the visit of the central team

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar in a meeting with farmers’ leaders at Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi on Monday. | Photo credit: PK BADIGER

Farmers’ representatives attended the Chief Minister’s meeting at Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi on Monday. | Photo credit: PK BADIGER

The state government will take a decision to address issues related to sugarcane growers and the sugar industry after a visit by the central committee headed by Ramesh Chand, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said in Belagavi on Monday.

“I am determined to solve your problems. That is why we have held a meeting with you in Belagavi and not in Bengaluru. I have also brought ministers and legislators with me. But it is difficult to find a solution on the ground. The problems faced by sugarcane growers are complex and involve multiple players. I spoke to the representatives of the sugar mills this morning. Let us consider all the issues and give you some decision. Time,” he said.

He was speaking after a meeting with sugarcane growers at Suvarna Soudha.

“Any government decision costs money. For example, when the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced an incentive of ₹ 50 per tonne, it cost the exchequer ₹ 300 crore. Due to the drought, our electricity subsidy bill increased by ₹ 8,000 crore. There is no comparison between 0% Tamil Nadu as their sugar production and Karna Karnataka,” he said.

“I can’t declare anything here and now. We need funds to support our claims. It’s not my personal money. It’s public money managed by the government. I need to consult officials, then talk to other states, sugar mills and Union government officials. Only then can I say something clearly. I can’t lie to you and walk away from here,” he told the farmers.

“The central committee is expected to visit the state by Thursday, October 29. We will present our case to them and seek a solution. We will strongly demand that the minimum selling price of sugar be increased so that the factories get more money that can be transferred to the farmers. Then we will take a decision,” he said.

However, the farmers did not agree to his request. Many of them tried to speak at once, and for some time nothing was heard. Farmers’ president Chunappa Pujeri urged the chief minister to announce a decision on revised sugarcane prices even if it meant some time with negotiations being extended. He demanded that the state government should announce a state advised price (SAP) of at least ₹1,000 per tonne and leave the rest to the Union government.

Minister Shivanand Patil said that the state government has taken several measures to address the grievances of sugarcane growers. “We have taken measures to introduce transparency in sugar mills and markets. APMC has set up 22 weighbridges near sugar mills. We will set up more such units if required,” he said.

“Thank you and I appreciate you for raising this issue. I am sure that the problems of sugarcane farmers across the country will be solved with the agitation of Karnataka farmers,” he said. He said that the SAP announced by the Bommai government was stayed by the courts and therefore it was not easy for the state government to announce a new SAP.

Earlier, the chief minister held a meeting with representatives of sugar mills and legislators during which he struck a conciliatory tone. “All stakeholders must come together to find solutions to the problems of sugarcane growers and the sugar industry. Blaming anyone will not achieve,” he said.

Published – 26 Oct 2026 21:31 IST