Minister Rudrappa Lamani received honours from various platoons during the Karnataka Rajyotsava parade at Haveri Hosamani Siddappa District Stadium on Sunday
Haveri : Sugar, textiles and Haveri district minister Rudrappa Lamanion Sunday said the state govt would take a final decision on sugarcane pricing only after receiving the report of an expert committee examining growers’ demands. Speaking to reporters after the 71st Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations at the district stadium, Lamani said a team of experts from Delhi had been tasked with studying the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers. Lamani said an immediate decision was not feasible, as the matter required consultations among the Centre, the state govt and sugar factory owners. “The chief minister will take a decision on SAP after the committee submits its report,” he said, adding that the govt stood with farmers while also taking into account the financial and operational concerns of sugar factories. On private sugar mills preparing for the crushing season, Lamani said the govt could not direct them either to commence or halt operations. Referring to demands for compensation for fire-damaged sugarcane, he said the govt had considered growers’ representations.
Discussions had also been held with the Union agriculture and food ministers, while the chief minister had been briefed on issues related to sugarcane pricing, including the State Advised Price (SAP). Farmers have been demanding fixation of a minimum support price (MSP) by the Centre and SAP by the state govt. He added that drought conditions and declining groundwater levels had further intensified farmers’ distress. Huda president Prabhu Bistanagoudra, deputy commissioner Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar and other officials were present.