Farmers Block Savdatti-Dharwad Road, Demand Rs 5,500 Support Price per Tonne of Sugarcane

Savadatti, Oct 31: Thousands of farmers staged a sudden protest and blocked the Savadatti-Dharwad road on Saturday, demanding that the government announce a remunerative support price of at least Rs 5,500 per tonne of sugarcane. They also condemned the alleged negligence of sugar factories and the Central and State governments towards their demands.

The farmers gathered near the Tourist Guest House in Savadatti and raised slogans against sugar factories and the governments. They later staged road blockades at Karikatti Cross and Ramadurga Cross, bringing vehicular movement to a complete standstill.

Addressing the protesters, farmer leader Suresh Sampagavi demanded that the Central and State governments announce a price of Rs 5,500 per tonne of sugarcane. He said the protest was being conducted peacefully and within the framework of the law, without allowing any untoward incidents. He urged the governments to act immediately and address the farmers' demands.

Another farmer leader, Shivanand Sardar, said the government and elected representatives should respond to the demands of farmers without delay. He warned that the agitation would be intensified in the coming days if their demands were not met. Alisab Noolagi and other leaders also addressed the gathering.

The protest disrupted traffic on the Savadatti-Dharwad main road for several hours. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded in long queues near the bus stand. Devotees visiting the Renuka Yellamma temple in Savadatti and other passengers faced considerable inconvenience due to the disruption of bus services.

Following the protest, the farmers submitted a memorandum to the government through Tahsildar Mallikarjun Hegganavar, urging immediate action to fulfil their demands.

Farmer leaders including Eeranna Hallad, Dyamanagouda Patil, Maktumsab Halimanavar, Pundalik Kabbur, Mrutyunjaya Pujari and Umesh Kuri were among those present.