Bengaluru, Nov 7 (NationPress) In a significant development, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has declared that the state government will set the sugarcane price at Rs 3,300 per tonne following an extensive seven-hour meeting with sugar factory proprietors and farmer representatives in Bengaluru.

Post the lengthy discussions, the Chief Minister briefed the media, revealing the government's decision in Bengaluru.

CM Siddaramaiah also mentioned plans to dispatch a delegation to the Centre to address concerns regarding the perceived inequities faced by Karnataka farmers, achieving consensus among both farmers and sugar factory representatives.

For the past nine days, sugarcane farmers and their associations in Belagavi and nearby areas in north Karnataka have been advocating for a price of Rs 3,500 per tonne.

The BJP's Karnataka chapter has also expressed support for the farmers' protest.

Farmers at Gurlapur Cross in Belagavi celebrated the announcement with fireworks.

Siddaramaiah noted that both the government and sugar factory owners would contribute Rs 50 each, ensuring that farmers receive Rs 3,300 per tonne.

The Chief Minister highlighted that there are 81 sugar factories in the state, comprising 11 cooperative factories, one government-owned, and the remainder being private.

Since October 30, Belagavi's sugarcane farmers have protested against the Central government’s FRP (Fair and Remunerative Price), demanding a better price, as per Siddaramaiah.

Prior negotiations by the Belagavi Deputy Commissioner with the protesting farmers did not yield results. Subsequently, ministers attempted mediation, but farmers remained unsatisfied, according to the Chief Minister.

The government initially suggested Rs 3,100 per tonne for 10.25 percent recovery and Rs 3,200 for 11.25 percent recovery, an offer that was rejected by the farmers.

Despite discussions led by Law Minister H.K. Patil and Sugar Minister Shivanand Patil, no agreement was reached. Following this, the cabinet opted for direct negotiations with sugar factory owners and farmer leaders while also planning to communicate with the central government regarding the matter.

The cabinet's decision culminated in a seven-hour meeting on Friday, during which both factory owners and farmers articulated their concerns, emphasizing the losses attributed to central government policies, as stated by the CM.

Siddaramaiah clarified that recovery rates differ from district to district, but the Rs 100 increase per tonne will be uniformly applied across all recovery categories.

Last year, Karnataka produced 5.6 crore metric tonnes of sugarcane, with this year's output projected to surpass 6 crore metric tonnes.

This newly established rate exceeds the previous one set by the Belagavi Deputy Commissioner, and most factory owners have agreed to the updated pricing. Recovery-based rates will fluctuate by district, and the government anticipates farmers will endorse this proposal, according to the Chief Minister.

Siddaramaiah reaffirmed the government's dedication to addressing the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers.

The Chief Minister urged sugar factory owners to lend their support and called on farmers to end their protests to help maintain law and order.