Centre responsible for fixing FRP, not States: Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda

Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Friday criticised the Centre for “keeping mum” and shirking its responsibility amid the ongoing protests by sugarcane growers in Karnataka seeking a higher Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP).

The Minister pointed out that the authority to fix the FRP, enhance ethanol blending, and ease sugar export restrictions rests entirely with the Centre and not with the States. “Sugarcane prices will rise if the use of ethanol is increased. Similarly, sugar prices depend on the Centre’s export and import policies,” he noted.

“Since the Centre alone is empowered to take decisions on the issues raised by farmers who are demanding a higher FRP, the State government has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the crisis,” Mr. Byre Gowda told presspersons in Mysuru.

Mr. Byre Gowda stated that the State had already convened a meeting with sugar factory representatives to discuss the matter. “All efforts are being made to resolve the crisis. If the Centre revises the FRP as demanded, we can direct the factories to comply,” he said.

The Minister said that farmers were unhappy with the FRP fixed by the Centre and were therefore seeking its revision, though some factories are already paying rates as per the existing FRP.

Further, Mr. Byre Gowda questioned, “Is the Centre sleeping when farmers are out on the streets seeking a fair price? Is it not its responsibility to address their concerns?”