Shivakumar urges PM to address cane growers’ demands as agitation delays crushing season

Synopsis Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has appealed to PM Modi regarding the struggles of sugarcane farmers.

Protests have intensified in North Karnataka, impacting the sugarcane crushing season and farmers’ livelihoods.

State government initiatives to support farmers include direct financial assistance and improvements in sugar recovery rates.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Shivakumar said sugarcane farmers in North Karnataka have intensified their agitation, with padayatras and road blockades disrupting normal life and delaying the start of the crushing season.

He said average sugar recovery had increased from 9.91% in 2022-23 to 11.09% in 2025-26.