Karnataka Farmers Reject Delhi Talks, Demand Higher Sugarcane Price Amid Protests

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has invited sugarcane farmers from Karnataka to Delhi for urgent talks on hiking the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for their crop, but farmers have outright rejected the offer, staging massive protests in Hubballi today. The Minister's appeal for dialogue comes as thousands of farmers, citing rising cultivation costs, are demanding a minimum price of Rs 5,500 per tonne for sugarcane, rejecting the Centre's earlier price hike in May 2026. This standoff highlights a growing crisis in India's sugar-producing regions. The farmers, organized under groups like the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene, claim the current FRP of Rs 365 per quintal, set in May, is insufficient to cover their expenses, which they estimate at around Rs 4,500 per tonne for cultivation alone. They are pushing for not only a higher FRP but also better procurement prices for ethanol produced from sugarcane and full implementation of the Swaminathan Committee recommendations for agricultural produce. This isn't just about price; it's about the financial survival of thousands of families grappling with increasing input costs and inconsistent returns. While Minister Joshi reiterated the Narendra Modi government commitment to farmers and its history of increasing the FRP annually, farmers remain firm on their demand, with threats of statewide agitation if their demands aren't met by October 10. The situation points to a critical need for a balanced solution that addresses both farmer profitability and the economic viability of the sugar industry, with upcoming discussions needing to bridge a significant gap between farmer expectations and government proposals.