Archive · 11 Nov 2025
Sugarcane Growers Demand Higher Prices in Bagalkot Protest
Farmers in Bagalkot district are protesting because they don't think they are being paid a fair price for their sugarcane.
Their leader, Kodihalli Chandrashekhar, says the government should pay them Rs 3,500 for every ton of sugarcane, which is much more than they are getting now.
He explained that the price is decided based on how much sugar can be made from the sugarcane, called the 'recovery rate.'
He believes the government doesn't check this rate carefully and just accepts what the sugar factories say.
Farmers want a special team with farmers, experts, and government people to figure out the real recovery rate using good machines.
They also mentioned a special formula called C2+50 that they think should be used to set the price.
The farmers warned that if their demands aren't met, protests will spread across the state.
Sugarcane growers in Bagalkot district are intensifying their protest demanding a higher price for their produce.
Farmers' leader Kodihalli Chandrashekhar calls the current sugarcane price 'unscientific and unfair,' demanding Rs 3,500 per tonne.
Protesters question the government's method of determining sugarcane prices and recovery rates, suspecting bias towards sugar factories.
Farmers propose forming a committee with diverse members to scientifically ascertain the recovery rate of sugar from sugarcane.
They urge the government to adopt Dr. Swaminathan’s C2+50 formula for price determination and warn of statewide protests if demands are unmet.
- Who
- Sugarcane growers, led by farmers' leader Kodihalli Chandrashekhar
- What
- Intensified protest demanding a revised and scientifically determined price for sugarcane.
- When
- Tuesday (specific date not mentioned, but part of ongoing agitation)
- Where
- Bagalkot district, Karnataka
- Why
- Farmers believe the current sugarcane price is unscientific and unfair, questioning the government's method of determining prices and recovery rates, alleging bias towards sugar factory owners.
Farmers' Demands
Government/Factory Stance
Sugarcane Price
Farmers' Demands
Farmers demand the State Government fix the sugarcane price at Rs 3,500 per tonne, considering the current rate unscientific and unfair.
Government/Factory Stance
The current sugarcane price is being fixed by the government, though farmers question the basis and scientific validity of this rate and recovery calculations.
Recovery Rate Determination
Farmers' Demands
Farmers advocate for a committee of farmers, experts, factory representatives, and government officials to scientifically determine the recovery rate of sugar from sugarcane, suggesting the use of modern machines for testing. They argue that the government currently accepts figures presented by factory managements without independent verification.
Government/Factory Stance
The government's basis for fixing the price and the recovery rate is being questioned by farmers, who allege that the government may not have accurate data, potentially siding with sugar factory owners.
Pricing Formula
Farmers' Demands
Farmers propose following Dr. Swaminathan’s C2+50 formula and suggest a price of at least Rs 4,500 per tonne, but are willing to accept Rs 3,500 per tonne as a minimum.
Government/Factory Stance
The government's current pricing mechanism is based on a rate farmers deem inadequate, with no explicit mention of adherence to the C2+50 formula or the FRP in the article's context of the government's current action.
- Protest Location
- Bagalkot district, Mudhol, Sangolli Rayanna Circle
- Protest Leader
- Kodihalli Chandrashekhar
- Farmers' Demand for Sugarcane Price
- Rs 3,500 per tonne (minimum), Rs 4,500 per tonne (proposed under C2+50 formula)
- Proposed Committee Composition
- 2 farmers, 2 technical experts, 2 factory representatives, 2 government officials
- Pricing Formula Mentioned
- Dr. Swaminathan’s C2+50 formula
