What Will Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Discuss with PM Modi Tomorrow?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CM Siddaramaiah to meet PM Modi to discuss state issues.
- Focus on the crisis faced by sugarcane farmers.
- Discussion on sugar pricing and irrigation projects.
- CM proposes an additional Rs 50 per tonne for farmers.
- Potential expansion of Fair and Remunerative Price policies.
Bengaluru, Nov 16 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow to address various state issues, prominently including the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers in the region.
The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) announced the CM's travel plans to Delhi, confirming the meeting with PM Modi on the agenda for tomorrow.
As per the CMO, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will depart for Delhi at 11 a.m. from HAL Airport via a special flight, anticipated to land in Delhi at 1:30 p.m.
Additionally, the CM is projected to leave Delhi at 7 p.m. and is expected to arrive back in Bengaluru by 9:30 p.m.
However, sources within the CMO indicated that the return schedule is subject to change.
In response to inquiries about the upcoming meeting, Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed on Sunday that CM Siddaramaiah will discuss a range of state issues, notably the hardships sugarcane farmers are enduring.
"The fixation of sugarcane prices and the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) is determined by the central government. For the years 2024–25 and 2025–26, the FRP has been set at Rs 3,550. Our farmers are asking for a higher price," Parameshwara explained.
"The factories need to compensate better, or the government has to step in. We've made it clear that the government cannot shoulder that extra load. Nonetheless, considering the welfare of the farmers, the CM has proposed an additional Rs 50 per tonne. Factory owners have agreed to this, bringing the price to Rs 3,300," he noted.
"Moreover, the CM will urge the Centre for a further price increase. Other states have adopted sugar recovery-based pricing; we must request the Prime Minister to implement this as well. The CM has sought time for this discussion, and the PM has obliged. They will cover all these matters in their meeting," Parameshwara added.
In addition to sugarcane concerns, irrigation issues will also be on the table. The Supreme Court has given the green light for the Mekedatu project, which may also be part of the discussions," he stated.