Mysore/Mysuru: KRRS (Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha) President Badagalapura Nagendra has said that the Sangha has given a call for Mandya bandh on Dec. 19 to urge the State Government to fix Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane at Rs. 4,500 per tonne and to fulfil their other demands. 

Addressing media persons at Jaladarshini Guest House in city on Thursday, he said “The FRP fixed by the Union Government is less and it is not even fetching the production costs for the sugarcane growers. Because of this, we are fighting for an FRP which is based on scientific calculations, for the last six months. The State Government should fix State Advisory Price (SAP) rate at Rs. 500 per tonne and fix an FRP of Rs. 4,500 per tonne which  is our main demand and we are continuously fighting for its implementation.”

“The State Government had called for a meeting following our protests and assured that they are going to give good news and announced Rs. 50 per tonne. The Government increased the rate by 5 paise per kg of sugarcane and is claiming it has a given a bumper gift for farmers,” he added.

“It is over 40 days since the KRRS began an indefinite protest at Mandya. But the State Government is insensitive to the demands of the sugarcane growers. Hence, a call for Mandya bandh on Dec.19 is given. Many organisations have expressed their support to the bandh. About 15,000 people including women from various villages of the district will participate in the massive protest rally to be held on Dec. 19. In addition, farmers from Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Kodagu and Ramanagara districts will also participate,” said Badagalapura Nagendra.

“Winter Session of the State Assembly will start from Dec. 19 at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi. On the same day, Mandya bandh has been called from 6 am to 2 pm demanding FRP for sugarcane to be fixed at Rs. 4,500 per tonne, Rs. 40 per litre of milk and subsidy for paddy crop. The bandh will be organised in a peaceful manner,” Badagalapura Nagendra added.

Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha District President Hosuru Kumar, leader Marankaiah and others were present at the press meet.

Farmers to lay siege to Suvarna Soudha on Dec. 20

Urging for the implementation of their demands, various Farmer Associations of the State have decided to lay siege  to Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi on Dec. 20 and our Sangha will also participate on that day. The Sangha has demanded that opposition parties to pressurise the Government to fix a proper FRP for sugarcane. Letters has been sent to Opposition Leader Siddharamaiah and JD(S) Legislative Party leader H.D. Kumaraswamy in this regard.

— Badagalapura Nagendra