Farmers in Hubballi, Karnataka, have escalated their protests regarding sugarcane pricing, demanding an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for sugarcane and the fulfilment of several longstanding requests. The demonstrations intensified on September 29, with farmers gathering at Chennamma Circle to voice their concerns about sugarcane pricing policies.

During the protests, farmers raised issues related to the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) and the mandatory procurement of ethanol produced within the state. The implementation of the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission was also highlighted as a key demand. Local farmer leader Channappa Pujari articulated that growers were suffering due to insufficient pricing and claimed that compensation rates had not evolved with inflation.

Pujari called for the government to set an MSP of Rs 60 per kg for sugarcane, asserting that the government ought to make decisions at the Cabinet level before any further negotiations are pursued. “The government must protect the farmers who feed the nation,” he emphasised.

Union Minister Responds to Farmers’ Concerns

In response to the escalating protests, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi invited farmer leaders to meet in New Delhi to discuss their grievances. In an official video statement from the capital, Joshi noted that farmers had previously approached him in February 2026 to advocate for an increase in the sugarcane FRP.

Joshi further remarked that the FRP has consistently been raised every year under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the most recent increase bringing it to Rs 365 in May, following recommendations made by the Price Fixation Committee and the State Cane Commissioner. His invitation to the farmers aimed to facilitate discussions with relevant officials regarding their concerns.

“The Modi government is always ready to take decisions in the interest of farmers,” Joshi stated, assuring farmers that their issues would be acknowledged and attempts would be made to address them. The minister’s assurance, however, has yet to convince many of the protesting farmers.

Next Steps for Protesting Farmers

Following Joshi’s invitation, BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginakayi visited the protest site at Ramesh Bhavan to relay the minister’s message to the farmers. He encouraged the agitating groups to consider the proposed discussions in New Delhi. The farmers, however, are deliberating their next steps as they maintain that their primary demands concerning sugarcane pricing and procurement remain unaddressed.

The decision regarding their future course of action is yet to be made, with many protesters insisting that concrete solutions must be presented by the government. The ongoing unrest highlights the critical nature of agricultural pricing policies and their impact on local farmers.

The situation remains fluid, as both the government and protesting farmers continue to engage in dialogue amidst rising tensions over the pricing of sugarcane, a vital crop for many in the region. The outcome of the proposed meeting in Delhi could significantly influence farmers’ decisions and the future of the protests.

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