Belagavi Farmers Stage Siege Over Massive Sugar Factory Dues
In a significant display of agrarian discontent, hundreds of farmers from Karnataka, led by the Karnataka Rajya Raita Sangh (KRRS) and Hasiru Sene, laid siege to the S Nijalingappa Sugar Institute in Belagavi on Friday. The protestors demanded immediate and decisive action against sugar factories that have accumulated outstanding cane dues running into thousands of crores of rupees, creating a financial crisis for the farming community.
Core Demands and Financial Grievances
The protesters vociferously raised slogans against factory managements and urgently called upon the sugar commissioner to intervene. Their primary demand is to ensure prompt payment of dues that have been pending for an extended period. Farmers highlighted that while the sugarcane price was officially fixed at Rs 3,300 per tonne, the reality on the ground is starkly different. Out of the 29 sugar factories operating in Belagavi district, only two have cleared their payments, leaving the vast majority of farmers in financial limbo.
According to officials from the Sugar Institute, the situation is dire: 27 sugar factories in Belagavi district alone are retaining an outstanding amount exceeding Rs 1,500 crore. This massive sum represents unpaid dues to farmers who supplied sugarcane, exacerbating rural economic distress.
Farmer Leadership and Official Responses
Farmer leader Chunappa Pujari articulated the community's frustration, accusing factory owners of intentionally withholding payments. He demanded immediate government intervention to clear the dues and suggested that legal action, including registering cases against the owners, should be pursued if payments are not made swiftly. "Farmers have dues from sugar factories owned by influential people. The farmers who supplied sugarcane should be paid within 14 days. This should be considered seriously," Pujari emphasized, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
A senior official from the Sugar Directorate provided context to the crisis, noting that sugarcane crushing in the state has increased by 50 lakh tonnes compared to the previous year. Of the 81 sugar factories in Karnataka, 63 have completed the season, while 18 are still operational. However, the overall dues from sugar factories across the state amount to a staggering Rs 4,700 crore. In response, show-cause notices have been issued to factories with outstanding sugarcane bills, signaling regulatory scrutiny.
Agricultural Yield and Payment Complexities
The official further explained that this year's sugarcane yield has shown improvement, with recovery rates increasing from 10.5% last time to 11.1% currently. This enhancement necessitates an additional payment of Rs 180 per tonne to farmers, a fact that factories have been formally notified about. Despite these complexities, the Sugar Directorate has assured that several reform measures are being implemented for the benefit of sugarcane growers. Statutory notices have been issued to sugar factories, with commitments to ensure timely payment of sugarcane bills moving forward.
Security Measures and Future Threats
In anticipation of the protest, police security was deployed outside the commissioner's office to maintain order. The farmers, however, issued a stern warning: if their bills are not received on time, they will intensify their struggle. This threat underscores the potential for escalated protests if their demands remain unmet, highlighting the ongoing tension between agricultural producers and industrial processors in the region.
The protest in Belagavi is not just a local issue but reflects broader challenges in India's sugar industry, where delayed payments and financial disputes continue to plague farmer livelihoods. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the government and regulatory bodies to mediate a resolution that ensures justice for the farming community while maintaining industrial operations.
