The sugarcane growers’ agitation in Karnataka has intensified, with farmers launching a massive ‘Hubballi Chalo’ foot march from Hattaragi Toll Plaza in Hukkeri taluk of Belagavi district towards Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s residence in Hubballi.
Led by farmer leader Chunappa Pujari, the protesters are marching along one side of the Pune–Bengaluru National Highway 48, raising slogans and demanding a fair price for sugarcane.
The farmers are demanding ₹5,500 per tonne for sugarcane and a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹60 per kg for sugar, along with action on other issues affecting the farming community.
According to reports, the marchers are expected to reach Kakati village in Belagavi taluk by tonight. The foot march marks a further escalation of the agitation after earlier protests and sit-ins failed to secure a resolution to their demands.
The march towards Hubballi is expected to draw attention to the sugarcane pricing issue and mounting discontent among growers. The next course of action will depend on the government’s response to the farmers’ demands.