Sugarcane price row: Karnataka CM meets farmers and mills in Belagavi
Why in the news
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar held talks with sugarcane farmers and sugar mill owners at Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi on 26 October 2026, after weeks of protests over cane prices for the 2026-27 season.
Key facts
- Demand: unions want ₹5,500 per tonne, described as about ₹4,500 from mills plus a ₹1,000 per tonne incentive from the state.
- FRP: the Union Cabinet’s Fair and Remunerative Price is ₹365 per quintal (₹3,650 per tonne); the demand is about 51% higher.
- Participants: four farmer representatives from each of 15 cane-growing districts and delegates from 81 sugar mills.
- Protests: highway blockades hit around ten districts, including a long blockade of National Highway 48 near Belagavi.
- Bandh threat: farmer leaders warned of a statewide shutdown on 27 October if talks failed.
- Union role: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi (Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution) did not attend; a separate Union-level meeting is expected.
| Price | ₹ per tonne |
|---|---|
| FRP 2026-27 | 3,650 |
| Farmers’ demand | 5,500 |
| State incentive sought | 1,000 |
About FRP and SAP
The FRP is the national minimum price mills must pay for cane, fixed by the Union Cabinet. States may announce a higher State Advised Price (SAP); Karnataka farmers are also seeking a SAP above the FRP, a higher minimum sale price for sugar and central purchase of ethanol from cane juice and molasses.
Exam angle
- FRP 2026-27: ₹365 per quintal.
- FRP is set by the Centre; SAP is set by states.
- Venue: Suvarna Soudha, Belagavi.