Karnataka Farmers’ Protest Over Sugarcane Pricing Turns Violent | Video

Last Updated:November 07, 2025, 17:32 IST

Sugarcane farmers in Belagavi, Bagalkote, Haveri, and Vijayapura demand Rs 3,500 per tonne, sparking highway blockades and unrest. CM Siddaramaiah seeks Centre's intervention.

Farmers protest at Hattaragi toll plaza in Belagavi district turned violent. (ANI)

The sugarcane price agitation in Karnataka flared when stone pelting broke out, damaging several vehicles, at the Hattaragi toll plaza in Belagavi district. Police personnel were deployed at the spot to bring the situation under control.

Farmers on Friday also attempted to block the Bengaluru–Pune National Highway at the Hattaragi toll plaza in Belagavi district.

The protests by sugarcane farmers across northern Karnataka, particularly in Belagavi, Bagalkote, Haveri, and Vijayapura, entered their second week, as farmers continue to demand a higher price of Rs 3,500 per tonne for their crop.

Farmers are demanding a Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of Rs 3,500 per tonne for sugarcane, arguing that the current rate set by the Centre fails to meet their production expenses and address their debt burden.

Many have accused sugar factories of making heavy deductions towards harvesting and transport, further reducing their income.

Speaking about the incident, Superintendent of Police Dr. Bheemashankar S. Guled said, “Farmer organisations had come here to the national highway. In spite of the police asking them to vacate the highways, they would not leave. When police tried to remove them, some people — probably miscreants — began pelting stones."

He added that the police exercised restraint during the incident. “At that time, police in their wisdom and self-control did not use any force. Subsequently, we took the farmer leaders into confidence and spoke to them. We addressed the farmers and asked them not to take the law into their own hands or resort to violence. The farmers conceded to our request," Dr. Guled said.

Appealing for calm, he urged farmers to avoid being misled. “I appeal to farmers again not to take the law into their hands and not fall into the hands of some conspirators," he said.

Dr. Guled confirmed that six police personnel were injured and several vehicles were damaged in the incident. “We are assessing the extent of the vehicle damage. We will have to register the case, identify the miscreants and take action against them. No innocent person will be arrested," he stated.

Earlier, farmer leaders have stated that they will call off their protest only if the state government announces a higher price. Until then, they have vowed to continue their agitation and have declined to meet the Chief Minister in Bengaluru.

With sugar recovery rates averaging about 10.5%, farmers contend that the existing Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) does not account for their actual production costs. They are demanding Rs 3,500 per tonne from sugar mills and say that if mills are unable to pay this amount, the state government should make up the difference.

Slippers Hurled At Karnataka Minister’s Car

Protests have turned tense, over the last few days as slippers were allegedly thrown at Minister Shivanand Patil’s car in Belagavi, and roads were blocked with tyre burnings and effigy demonstrations.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has clarified that the FRP is decided by the Central Government, not the state. “The FRP fixation is done by the Centre every year. This year too, it was announced on May 6," he said, adding that the state government can only implement the Centre’s decision and ensure that farmers receive their dues.

According to Siddaramaiah, the current FRP is Rs 3,550 per tonne, including harvesting and transport costs, at a 10.25% recovery rate. The price can vary depending on recovery levels, increasing or decreasing by Rs 3.46 for every 0.1% change.

The Chief Minister earlier called for a meeting with sugar mill owners and farmer leaders to find a resolution and has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an urgent appointment to discuss the issue. He appealed to farmers not to block highways, calling the protest “sincere but misled."

(With inputs from agencies)

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