Sugarcane growers threaten stir

The Karnataka State Sugarcance Growers’ Association has threatened to launch an agitation before chief minister’s residence in Bangalore, from February 20, if its demands are not met by then.

Association president Kurbur Shantakumar said in Dharwad on Wednesday the farmers are pressing for implementing the State Advisory Price (SAP) for sugarcane and the chief minister had promised to do so. “Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had promised at a meeting with growers that steps would be taken to implement SAP. But, so far, there has been no move in that direction,” he rued. The association which met here has decided to launch an agitation in front of CM’s residence from February 20 if the demands were not met, he added.

Shantakumar said Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh implemented SAP and Karnataka should follow suit. He urged the government to set up a committee comprising of representatives from State Co-operative Sugar Factories’ Federation, private factories and other experts to decide the SAP.

The president said there was a discrepancy in fixing the price of sugarcane.

While Ghataprabha Sugar factory in Belgaum district offered Rs 2,700 per tonne, the factories in Mandya and Mysore offered Rs 1,600 per quintal. He appealed to farmers to exercise restraint in sugarcane cultivation and advised them to limit the produce.

Attacking Union minister for agriculture Sharad Pawar for his alleged advise to the people not to consume sugar in the wake of skyrocketing prices, Shantakumar said the statement was irresponsible. The sugarcane growers’ contribution to the state exchequer by way of taxes is to the tune of Rs 16,000 crore per year. In Karnataka there are 62 sugar factories of which 52 are functioning. Again, of 52 factories 33 are ownedômanaged by legislators and ministers, he pointed out and urged the government not to test the patience of the farmers.