Karnataka Farmers Suspend Sugarcane Price Protests, Eye Centre's Committee Report by November

Sugarcane farmers in Karnataka have temporarily halted their week-long highway blockades, giving the central government until November 26, 2026, to address their demands for a significantly higher sugarcane price and revisions to sugar's Minimum Selling Price (MSP). The decision follows late-night talks between farmer leaders and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, with the Centre forming a new four-member committee, led by former NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand, to examine the grievances. This pause comes just days after the Cabinet approved a Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of ₹365 per quintal for the upcoming 2026-27 sugar season, a figure farmers contend is far too low given their rising production costs. At the heart of the standoff is a fierce debate over what constitutes a 'fair' price. Farmers, organized under groups like the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene, are demanding ₹5,500 per tonne for their cane, substantially higher than the Centre's ₹3,650 per tonne FRP, arguing that current prices barely cover expenses for labor, fertilizer, and diesel. They are also pushing for the MSP of sugar to be raised from ₹31 to ₹60 per kg and for changes in ethanol procurement. These demands directly impact major industry stakeholders, including those connected to industrialist and former Karnataka minister Murugesh Nirani, whose family operates multiple sugar factories. Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has also appealed to Prime Minister Modi for urgent intervention, warning that the delayed crushing season in North Karnataka is leading to significant losses for growers. The newly formed Ramesh Chand Committee is expected to visit Karnataka soon, gathering input on pricing, recovery rates, and mill practices. Its recommendations, due within 30 days, will be crucial in guiding the Centre's final decision before the November 26 deadline. With the vital Sugar Crushing Season set to begin, and farmers warning of renewed protests if their demands are not met, all eyes are now on the committee's findings and the government's subsequent moves to avert further disruption in India's critical sugar belt.