A protest by sugarcane farmers in Karnataka's Bagalkot district took a violent turn on Thursday when demonstrators set fire to more than fifteen trolleys loaded with sugarcane. The incident occurred at the caneyard of the Godavari Biorefineries Limited sugar factory in Mudhol.
What Sparked the Violence?
The farmers, who had been demanding a higher Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of Rs 3,500 per tonne, became enraged by rumours that the sugar factory had begun crushing operations. This was seen as a provocation, as the core dispute over the sugarcane price remained completely unresolved. Videos from the scene showed a distressing sight: more than 50 trolleys were parked in the yard, with flames engulfing approximately a third of them.
The factory management acted swiftly, deploying its fire extinguishers to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further. Police and fire and emergency services personnel also rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control.
The Wider Context of the FRP Dispute
This violent outburst in Bagalkot stands in contrast to a recent development in the neighbouring Belagavi district. Just last Friday, a similar protest there was called off after the government announced an additional Rs 100 per tonne for sugarcane. This increase, split equally between the government and factory owners, raised the purchase price from Rs 3,200 to Rs 3,300 per tonne.
However, farmers in Bagalkot and Haveri districts have continued their agitation, holding firm to their demand for Rs 3,500 per tonne. Demonstrations have persisted in various parts of Bagalkot, highlighting the unresolved tension.
Political Reactions and Accusations
Farmer leader Mutthappa Komara distanced his organization from the act of arson, stating that damaging property was not their policy and blaming miscreants for the fire. He, however, placed the ultimate responsibility on the government, accusing it of testing the patience of farmers and making unilateral decisions.
The incident quickly drew political fire. Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of neglecting the farmers. He demanded that the government compensate farmers for their losses and that the Chief Minister personally intervene to resolve the issue.
In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has previously shifted the blame to the central government, stating that the FRP is fixed by the Centre. He highlighted that the recovery rate for sugarcane, which influences the FRP, was increased from 9.5% to 10.25% this fiscal year. The Chief Minister has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking an appointment to find a solution that ensures farmers receive a net Rs 3,500 per tonne, excluding harvesting and transportation costs.
