Sugarcane growers continued their indefinite agitation for the second day in Kalaburagi on Wednesday demanding a minimum price of ₹5,500 per tonne of sugarcane and the fulfilment of a series of other demands, including a higher State incentive and a share in profits from byproducts of sugar mills.

Led by the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene, farmers from Kalaburagi, Bidar, Yadgir and Vijayapura districts staged a road blockade at Ram Mandir Circle despite the scorching heat.

The agitation is part of the State-wide farmers protest. The growers also blocked traffic on the Humnabad Ring Road for 45 minutes starting 11.30 a.m.

The protesters said that the agitation will continue until their demands are met.

Farmer leader Sharanabasappa Mamshetty said that both the Union and State governments have remained indifferent despite the farmers agitation for their just demands.

Bidar farmer leader Sukesh Reddy criticised Union Minister Pralhad Joshi holding him responsible for the situation that has forced farmers to take to the streets.

Several seers, student groups and other organisations extended support to the agitation.

Farmers leaders pointed out that sugar mills earn revenue from sugarcane byproducts such as molasses and ethanol as well as from co-generated electricity, while growers continue to receive inadequate prices.

They demanded that farmers be given a 50% share in the profits from byproducts of sugar mills.

The protesters also sought implementation of the recommendations of the M.S. Swaminathan Commission on remunerative prices for agricultural produce.

They demanded that the State government introduce a State Advised Price (SAP) for sugarcane and provide an additional incentive of ₹900 per tonne.

Their other demands include completing sugarcane harvesting within 12 months, ensuring transparency in sugar recovery calculations and weighing and forming a committee to facilitate agreements between sugar mills and growers on harvesting and transportation costs.

The farmers also sought removal of toll charges on vehicles transporting sugarcane and measures to address difficulties relating to permits, harvesting and transportation.

Harasur Kalmath seer Karasiddheshwar Shivacharya said that farmers deserve fair prices as the cost of other commodities continue to rise while agricultural prices remain inadequate.

Farmer leader Basavaraj Inginshetty urged the State government to intervene, noting that agriculture fell under the State List.

The protesters also criticised the drought relief of ₹2,500 provided to farmers, calling it inadequate in view of the losses suffered by the farming community.

Several farmer leaders, including Siddarama Dhannur, Basavaraj C. Kori, Veeresh Patil and Kareppa Kargond, participated in the agitation.