Full Breakdown
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar Seeks Centre’s Intervention to Resolve Sugarcane Farmers’ Crisis
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Core Event: State-Centre Appeal Amid Farmer Agitation
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting urgent central assistance to address five demands from Karnataka’s sugarcane growers: revising the Minimum Selling Price (MSP) of sugar, setting separate MSPs for domestic and commercial sugar, restoring the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) base recovery to 9.5 %, and revising procurement rules and the price for cane-based ethanol. He says protests in North Karnataka have halted the crushing season, leaving mature cane in the fields and causing losses.
Background & Context
Farmers have staged padayatras and road blockades targeting Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi’s residence, disrupting public order and delaying the crushing season. The state has installed digital load cells at 81 mills, monitored sugar recovery, and directed laboratories to obtain NABL accreditation, but says the core demands require Union action.
Timeline
- Oct 14, 2026 – Union government formed a committee chaired by former NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand.
- Oct 16, 2026 – Oil Marketing Companies issued a tender excluding ethanol from sugarcane juice, syrup, and B-heavy molasses.
- Oct 17, 2026 – Shivakumar visited Kittur, urging protesters to suspend their padayatra.
- Oct 18, 2026 – He sought an appointment with Prime Minister Modi.
- Oct 20, 2026 – Shivakumar called for a collective solution involving farmers, factories and the Centre.
Data & Statistics
- MSP of sugar: unchanged at INR31 /kg since Feb 12 2019.
- FRP for sugarcane: increased from INR2,750 to INR3,650 /tonne.
- Cane-based ethanol capacity: 225 crore L/yr in Karnataka.
- Base recovery rate for FRP: originally 9.5 %, later 10.25 %; the CM requests a reset to 9.5 %.
- Average sugar recovery: rose from 9.91 % (2022-23) to 11.09 % (2025-26) after state interventions.
Official Statements & Responses
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre determines the FRP and the minimum floor price for millers, while states may announce a State Advised Price (SAP). He noted the current MSP of INR31 /kg contrasts with market prices of INR49-50 /kg, questioning the need for a further increase.
The Ramesh Chand committee is expected to submit recommendations, but Shivakumar has urged “urgent decisions” as the crushing season remains delayed.
Criticism & Opposition
Farmer leader Kurubur Shantakumar accused Shivakumar of “scaremongering” and called for strict enforcement of the 1966 Sugar Control Order and a higher FRP of at least INR4,500 /tonne with a 10.25 % recovery rate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — K. Shivakumar, Karnataka chief minister
- “Everyone must come together to resolve the problems of sugarcane growers, including the MSP. This is not just one person's responsibility; it is everyone's responsibility. I do not wish to put the entire burden on a single individual,” — K. Shivakumar, Karnataka chief minister
What’s Next
The CM announced a meeting of sugar factory owners, farmer leaders and central officials “after Dasara” and said the state will continue cooperating with the Ramesh Chand committee while seeking early assurance from the Centre to start the crushing season.