Tue Mar 18 15:28:02 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Sugarcane Farmers Demand Higher Prices, Accuse Mills of Cheating

**Mysuru, March 18, 2025** – The Karnataka State Sugarcane Farmers’ Association launched a strong appeal to the central government on Tuesday, demanding an increased Statutory Advisory Price (SAP) for sugarcane and stricter measures to prevent exploitation by sugar mills. Association president Hallikerehundi Bhagyaraj addressed a press conference, highlighting the conclusion of the current sugarcane harvesting season and urging the government to ensure farmers receive at least ₹5,000 per tonne. This figure includes the central government’s Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) and the additional income mills generate from byproducts like molasses and ethanol.

Bhagyaraj criticized the reliance solely on the FRP, advocating for a more pro-farmer SAP set by the state government. He also called for the installation of weighing scales at sugar factories to prevent fraudulent weight measurements and the establishment of local expert committees to address cheating related to sugar recovery rates. A significant concern was raised regarding ₹950 crore in unpaid dues from previous years, with the association threatening agitation if these are not cleared.

Further concerns were raised about legal notices served on farmers by Cauvery Grameena Bank, prompting a call for district administration intervention. The association also opposed the halting of water supply to fill lakes and water bodies, urging the Irrigation Department to resume the supply immediately. Difficulties faced by farmers in obtaining electricity connections for their pumpsets under a government regularization scheme were also highlighted.

Finally, Bhagyaraj expressed deep concern about the rise in online gaming addiction among youth, linking it to a surge in suicides and calling for a state-wide ban. He also demanded that any milk price hike directly benefit farmers and that pending incentives amounting to ₹950 crore be released.

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