Karnataka Sugarcane Farmers Protest: 26 Sugar Mills Shut, Highways Blocked

A major protest has erupted in Karnataka, with sugarcane farmers in Belagavi shutting down 26 sugar factories and blocking national highways. Led by organisations including the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene, the farmers are demanding a minimum price of ₹3,500 per tonne, a demand backed by BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra and MP Jagadish Shettar. A key point of contention is that many sugar factories are owned by influential politicians from both the Congress and BJP, with one report stating, ‘Sugar is probably the most politicised industry. All factories are owned by politicians and each politician hopes to own one.’ The farmers have rejected the mills' offer of ₹3,200 per tonne and are demanding a payment structure similar to that in Maharashtra. The protest, which has entered its sixth day, has seen widespread participation, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructing ministers to negotiate a solution.