Karnataka Sugarcane Growers Stage Protest in Mysuru Over Unpaid Incentives
Activists from the Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers' Association organized a significant demonstration on Saturday in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office in Mysuru. The protest aimed to pressure the state government to expedite the release of an additional incentive of Rs 100 per tonne for sugarcane supplied to sugar factories.
Background of the Incentive Announcement
The protesters highlighted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced this incentive in November 2023, following persistent demands from the farming community. Under this scheme, the state government committed to providing Rs 50 per tonne, with sugar mills matching this amount with an equal sum. This initiative was designed to support sugarcane growers amid fluctuating market conditions.
Allegations Against Sugar Mills
Despite the state government reportedly releasing its share of the funds to the sugar mills, several managements have failed to distribute the incentives to the farmers. The protesters specifically named:
- Bannari Amman Sugar Mills based in Nanjangud
- Male Mahadeshwara Sugar Factory located in Kunthur, Kollegal taluk, Chamarajanagar district
In contrast, the association noted that numerous mills in north Karnataka districts have already complied with the government order and disbursed the incentives to growers last month.
Additional Demands by Protesters
Beyond the incentive issue, the protesters presented a broader set of demands to address ongoing agricultural challenges:
- Urging the government to fill lakes with water to support irrigation needs
- Requesting permission for farmers to engage in ethanol production to diversify income sources
- Seeking compensation for farmers who suffered crop losses due to hailstorms and heavy rains in Chamarajanagar district last month
Protest Leadership and Future Actions
The demonstration was led by Hallikerehundi Bhagyaraj, president of the Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers' Association. Bhagyaraj issued a stern warning, stating that if the demands are not met promptly, the association will escalate their protest by staging a demonstration outside the residence of District Minister H C Mahadevappa.
Government Response and Legal Hurdles
Deputy Commissioner Laksmikanth Reddy received a memorandum from the protesters and assured them that the incentives would be deposited to sugarcane growers once legal obstacles related to the distribution process are resolved. This response indicates ongoing administrative and possibly judicial challenges in implementing the incentive scheme effectively.
The protest underscores the persistent issues faced by sugarcane farmers in Karnataka, including delayed payments and inadequate support during natural disasters. It highlights the need for streamlined governance and better enforcement of agricultural policies to ensure timely benefits reach the intended recipients.
