Karnataka CM Shivakumar vows to take sugarcane growers' demands to mills, Centre
Synopsis
Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar has disclosed that several sugar mills defied the state's directive to pay an extra ₹250 per tonne to farmers — and is now setting up a layered consultation with factories, legislators, and the Centre before announcing any fix. With the Centre holding 90% of decision-making responsibility on pricing, the resolution could take weeks and hinge on Union government co-operation.
Key Takeaways
Shivakumar held discussions with legislators in Belagavi on 26 October 2026 over sugarcane growers' demands.
Several sugar mills have not paid the additional ₹250 per tonne directed by the state government, according to Shivakumar.
Shivakumar plans to consult sugar factory owners, farmers, and legislators before announcing any decision.
The Centre holds 90 per cent of decision-making responsibility on the issue; the state's share is just 10 per cent .
The CM had earlier met farmers at Kittur to hear their grievances; a second meeting is planned after factory talks.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday, 26 October said his government would hold a series of consultations — with sugar factory owners, sugarcane farmers, and legislators — before announcing any decision on the demands of cane growers. Addressing reporters in Belagavi, he also revealed that several sugar mills had failed to pay the additional ₹250 per tonne promised to farmers, despite sustained pressure from the state government.
Key Developments
Shivakumar confirmed that legislators from both north and south Karnataka had attended an initial round of discussions, with more expected to join. He said MLAs had conveyed the intense pressure they were facing from farmers in their constituencies and had been asked to formally present their positions at the meeting. Officials had also been consulted and had shared their assessments of the situation, he added.
'Many MLAs have arrived, and more will join. MLAs are representatives of the people and voters. They have told me about the pressure they are facing, and I have asked them to share their views at the meeting,' Shivakumar said.
Mills' Non-Compliance Under Scrutiny
The Chief Minister acknowledged that an earlier government directive asking sugar factories to pay ₹250 more per tonne to farmers had not been fully honoured. He said the state government had credible information confirming that several mills had withheld the payment, and that this would form a central point of discussion in his upcoming meetings with factory representatives.
'Our government had pressured factory owners to pay ₹250 more per tonne to farmers. However, many of them have not paid the amount, and we have information about this,' he said. He added that the government would explore what solutions could be worked out within the framework of existing regulations.
Centre's Role Acknowledged
Shivakumar stressed that resolving the sugarcane pricing dispute would require the Union government's active involvement, noting that the Centre holds 90 per cent of the responsibility on decisions related to the sector, while the state's share is only 10 per cent.
'We will take the Centre into confidence. Many decisions have to be taken by them. The state government's share is only 10 per cent, while the Centre has 90 per cent of the responsibility. I have to speak to them as well,' he said.
What the CM Said on Farmers
Shivakumar reiterated that protecting farmers remained a core duty of his government. He noted that he had already met growers during a visit to Kittur, where they laid out their demands and grievances. He said he would meet farmers again after completing discussions with factory owners and legislators, and would only then address the media with a consolidated response.
'Protecting farmers is our duty. I have already met farmers during my visit to Kittur, where they explained their demands and grievances. After speaking to factory representatives, I will meet the farmers again,' he said.
What Happens Next
The Chief Minister indicated a multi-step consultation process before any formal announcement — first with sugar factory owners, then with farmers, followed by legislators, and finally with Union government officials. He also questioned whether all demands being raised were practically feasible, signalling that not every grievance may find a direct remedy. The outcome of these discussions is expected to shape Karnataka's sugarcane pricing policy for the ongoing crushing season.
Point of View
But invoking it also risks looking like a deflection on a problem that originated within state jurisdiction. The sugarcane pricing crisis is a perennial flashpoint in Karnataka's north, and with assembly constituencies in that belt watching closely, the CM's multi-step consultation is as much political management as policy process. The real accountability question is why mills were not penalised for non-compliance well before this crisis escalated.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Karnataka's sugarcane farmers demanding?
Sugarcane farmers in Karnataka are seeking better pricing and payment from sugar mills. A key grievance is that several mills have not honoured the state government's directive to pay an additional ₹250 per tonne over the base price, despite the government applying pressure to ensure compliance.
Why has Karnataka CM Shivakumar not yet announced a decision?
Shivakumar has said he wants to consult sugar factory owners, farmers, and legislators before finalising any course of action, and also needs to coordinate with the Union government, which holds 90 per cent of decision-making authority on sugarcane pricing. He indicated some demands may not be practically feasible.
What role does the Centre play in sugarcane pricing in Karnataka?
According to Shivakumar, the Union government holds 90 per cent of the responsibility for decisions related to sugarcane pricing and related policy, with the state accounting for only 10 per cent. This means any comprehensive resolution requires active coordination with the Centre.
Which mills have not paid the ₹250 per tonne to farmers?
Shivakumar did not name specific mills, but said the state government has information confirming that several sugar factories have not complied with the directive to pay an extra ₹250 per tonne. He said this non-compliance would be raised directly in his upcoming discussions with factory representatives.
When will a final decision on sugarcane farmers' demands be announced?
No specific date has been given. Shivakumar indicated he will first meet factory owners, then farmers, and consult legislators before approaching the Centre — after completing all these rounds of talks, he said he would address the media with a decision.
