Belagavi Farmers Stage Massive Protest Demanding Swaminathan Report Implementation

Belagavi, Karnataka witnessed a significant farmers protest near the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, spearheaded by Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha President, Chunappa Pujari. Thousands of farmers gathered to voice a series of urgent demands to the government. Sugar Minister Shivanand Patil attended the protest site to engage with the farmers and listen to their grievances.

A core demand from the protesting farmers is the immediate implementation of the Dr. Swaminathan Commission Report, which they believe is crucial for economic strengthening. They also called for a revision of the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane to 9.5%, with rates exceeding ₹3,500 per tonne.

Further financial support was sought, specifically an additional ₹1,000 from both the state and central governments for sugarcane growers. The farmers also urged the government to establish purchase centres for all crops, including maize and millet, install digital weighing machines in sugar factories, and appoint dedicated staff to the Sugar Commissioners office in Belagavi. Other key demands included crediting ₹2,000 per tonne to farmers accounts from government taxes and clearing all farmers outstanding loans.