Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said he is working to resolve the issues faced by the sugarcane growers and sugar factory owners and would convene a meeting with farmers, sugar manufacturers and government officials after Dasara.
The sugarcane farmers are up in arms in Karnataka demanding Rs 5,500 per tonne of sugarcane, an increase in the minimum selling price of sugar to Rs 60 per kg, and a review of the ethanol procurement policy for sugarcane-based ethanol, among others.
They had also given a call for ‘Hubballi Chalo’ to lay siege to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday but suspended it following discussions between farmer leaders and Joshi, Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar, legislators and officials in Hubballi late on Sunday night.
Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar said he had spoken to some representatives of sugar factories on Tuesday morning that he is working to fix a date for a meeting.
“The farmers and the sugar factory owners should be heard separately. I will speak to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi as well. He has made efforts and done a good job. We must resolve this issue peacefully and amicably, in a manner that is acceptable to everyone. This concerns everyone's livelihood,” the CM said.
Emphasising that the survival of sugar factories dependend on farmers, he said interests of both sides had to be considered.
"If the factories can operate without incurring losses, they too can survive. We must take into account the problems faced by the factories, the farmers and the government, and work together to find a solution."
“Why should I shift the burden onto anyone? This is not merely their responsibility or mine; it is everyone's responsibility. We must all work together to resolve the issue,” he added.
The Chief Minister said he will fix a date for the meeting with the farmers, sugar manufacturers and government officers after Dasara.
He said he has already informed the sugar factory owners and would speak to the farmer leaders soon.
“I had given them my word that I would discuss the issue in a manner convenient for them as well as for us. I have committed myself to this, and I cannot go back on my word,” Shivakumar noted.
According to him, his cabinet colleagues, including those from the sugarcane growing region and the districts concerned, along with ministers from the relevant departments.
He added that he would also invite Pralhad Joshi, all the Members of Parliament and legislators from the region to participate in resolving the issue.
Asked about the meeting he held with ministers on Monday, Shivakumar said, "Local body elections are due. The Election Commission will also provide a new voters' list on the 27th. The Supreme Court has directed that local body elections be held by December 31. We need to make preparations for elections in Bengaluru city as well. Therefore, I have asked the ministers to prepare for the elections."
On the drought situation, he said he has sought an appointment with the union ministers, but the date has not yet been finalised.